I 


DOROTHY  QUINCY 

"WIFE  OF  JOHN  HANCOCK 


WITH  EVENTS   OF  HER  TIME 


cr- 


CO 

m 


.HEN  C-D'Q.-  WOODBURY 


DOROTHY    OUINCY    HANCOCK. 
(From  an  oil  painting  by  Copley.) 


DOROTHY  QUINCY 

WIFE    OF  JOHN   HANCOCK 

WITH    EVENTS    OF    HER    TIME 


BY 

ELLEN  C.  D.  Q.  WOODBURY 

Her  Great-Great  Niece 


SECOND  EDITION 


WASHINGTON  AND  NEW  YORK 
THE  NEALE  PUBLISHING  COMPANY 

431    ELEVENTH  STREET 
1905 


£303- 


5 


Copyright,  1901,  by  Ellen  C.  D.  Q.  Woodbury 
Copyright,  1905,  by  Ellen  C.  D.  Q.  Woodbury 


TO  THE  WOMEN 

OF 

PATRIOTIC  SOCIETIES  IN  AMERICA. 

Who,  with  ardor,  assiduity  and  perseverance,  are 
giving  their  time  and  their  money  towards  per 
petuating  a  commemorative  history  of  the  past, 
this  book  is  cordially  dedicated  by  one  of  their 
members. 


70S 


PREFACE. 

The  records  from  which  to  acquire  information 
of  Dorothy  Quincy  have  been  limited,  but  those 
associated  with  this  prominent  lady  of  "  ye  olden 
time"  give  but  one  estimate  of  her  person  and 
character.  Had  she  permitted  her  pen  to  pulsate 
with  the  emotional  outpourings  of  love,  like  a 
1'Espinasse,  there  would  have  been  no  difficulty 
in  portraying  Dorothy  Quincy,  for  she  would 
have  portrayed  herself  ;  or,  had  she  wielded  her 
pen  with  the  facility  of  a  Sevigne,  there  would 
have  been  graphic  pictures  of  her  life  and  her 
surroundings.  But  we  have  not  been  admitted 
behind  the  scenes  during  that  period  of  danger 
and  daring — from  Madame  Hancock's  point  of 
view. 

This  work,  therefore,  is  chiefly  compiled  from 
the  letters  of  her  family  and  the  records  of  the 
period  in  which  she  lived.  The  collection  was 
made  a  few  years  ago,  but  the  publication  has 
been  unavoidably  delayed. 

My  especial  thanks  are  given  to  Mrs.  William 
Wales,  of  Dorchester,  Mass.,  and  Mrs.  Sarah  H. 
Swan,  of  Cambridge,  Mass.,  who  most  cour 
teously  permitted  me  access  to  the  letters  in  their 
possession. 


CONTENTS. 

DOROTHY  QUINCY'S  AMERICAN  LINEAGE 9 

HOME  LIFE  OF  THE  QUINCYS— ESTHER  QUINCY— JOHN 

ADAMS— J.  SEWELL 15 

DOROTHY  QUINCY 24 

JOHN  HANCOCK'S  PARENTAGE— THOMAS  HANCOCK— J. 
HANCOCK  IN  LONDON— His  RETURN  HOME— EN 
TERS  PUBLIC  LIFE 26 

THE  ENDEAVORS  TO  WIN  HANCOCK— SAMUEL  ADAMS 
UPHOLDS  HIM— ADAMS  AND  HANCOCK  AT  VARI 
ANCE—THEIR  RECONCILIATION— DOROTHY  QUINCY 
LOSES  HER  MOTHER— JOHN  HANCOCK'S  AND  DOR 
OTHY  QUINCY'S  ATTRACTION  TO  EACH  OTHER 33 

THE  PATRIOTS — HANCOCK,  COLONEL  OF  THE  CADETS — 
His  BENEVOLENCE — THE  "  TEA  PARTY  " — LAFAY 
ETTE  ON  THE  TORIES 37 

ADAMS'  ENTRY  IN  His  DIARY— DOROTHY  QUINCY'S 
CHARACTERISTICS— HANCOCK'S  "  MASSACRE  ORA- 
TION  " — REJOICINGS  OF  THE  QUINCYS — THE  PORT 
BILL — TROOPS  LANDED — ENMITY  OF  GOVERNOR 
GAGE— JOHN  HANCOCK'S  RISE— PRAISE  OF  THE 
PROMINENT  PATRIOTS— JOHN  ADAMS,  HANCOCK'S  42 
LAWYER — PROVISIONAL  CONGRESS. 

DOROTHY  QUINCY'S  LOVER — ROYALIST  HAND-BILL — 
BRITISH  SOLDIERS  TAR  AND  FEATHER — VOLTAIRE 
ON  THE  ENGLISH — ATTACK  ON  HANCOCK'S  PREM 
ISES — WOMEN'S  TEA  PETITION 51 

CONGRESS  AT  CONCORD  ADJOURNS — DOROTHY  QUINCY 
LEAVES  FOR  LEXINGTON — LETTER  OF  HELENE  BAY 
ARD — JOHN  HANCOCK  AND  SAMUEL  ADAMS  IN 
DANGER 58 

PAUL  REVERE'S  MIDNIGHT  RIDE  —  THE  LEXINGTON 
FIGHT — LETTER  OF  AN  ENGLISH  SOLDIER — DOR 
OTHY  QUINCY  TELLS  OF  THE  WOUNDED — HANCOCK 
AND  ADAMS  WITHDRAW  TO  SAFETY — THE  LOVERS 
QUARREL 63 


MINUTE  MEN — BOSTON  A  CAMP— GAGE'S  PROCLAMA 
TION—HOW  IT  WAS  RECEIVED  —  DELEGATES  EN 
ROUTE  TO  PHILADELPHIA — HANCOCK  AND  ADAMS 
MEET  THE  GOVERNOR  AND  COUNCIL  OF  CONNECTI 
CUT — THE  QUINCYS  SCATTERED. 70 

DOROTHY  QUINCY  AT  FAIRFIELD — HANCOCK'S  LETTER 
TO  DOROTHY — ENTHUSIASM  FOR  JOHN  HANCOCK — 
ELECTED  PRESIDENT  OF  THE  CONTINENTAL  CON 
GRESS — CONTEMPORARIES'  OPINION  OF  HIM 75 

LIFE  AT  FAIRFIELD — LETTER  FROM  HANCOCK — DIS 
TRESS  IN  BOSTON  —  HANCOCK  WISHES  TO  SERVE 
UNDER  WASHINGTON — GEORGE  WASHINGTON'S  RE 
PLY — JOHN  HANCOCK'S  LETTERS  TO  DOROTHY — 
JUDGE  QUINCY'S  VIEWS — SAMUEL  PAINE  ON  BOS 
TON — ARRIVAL  OF  HOWE — WASHINGTON  APPOINT 
ED  COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF So 

HANCOCK'S  NAMESAKES — AARON  BURR — WEDDING  OF 
DOROTHY  QUINCY — JOHN  SEWELL'S  OPINION — NO 
TICES  OF  THE  EVENT — THEY  LEAVE  FOR  PHILADEL 
PHIA—DOROTHY  MEETS  WITH  RELATIVES— DOR 
OTHY  IN  HER  NEW  POSITION— JOHN  ADAMS 
WRITES  OF  HER  —  NEW  DUTIES  FOR  DOROTHY 
QUINCY— MRS.  HANCOCK  AT  MARSHALLS 89 

PROPOSED  BALL  TO  LADY  WASHINGTON — HER  TACT — 
PROPOSITION  TO  BOMBARD  BOSTON  —  HANCOCK'S 
"  MEMORABLE  LETTER  " — His  UNSELFISH  STAND — 
MRS.  HANCOCK'S  ADMIRATION  FOR  JOHN  HANCOCK.  99 

ENGLAND'S  APPEAL  TO  EUROPE — HOWE  LEAVES  Bos 
TON— DUKE    OF    MANCHESTER    IN    PARLIAMENT- 
JUDGE  QUINCY'S  LETTER— AUNT  LYDIA'S  DEATH- 
DOROTHY  DUDLEY  PRAISES  THE  QUINCYS— BIRTH 
OF  A  DAUGHTER 106 

REPEAL  OF  THE  STAMP  ACT — LETTERS  OF  JUDGE 
QUINCY — HANCOCK'S  HOSPITALITY — INVITES  GEN 
ERAL  AND  MRS.  WASHINGTON  TO  VISIT  HIM — JOHN 
ADAMS'  OPINION  OF  HANCOCK  AS  GENERAL  OF  THE 
FORCES 113 

DECLARATION  OF  INDEPENDENCE — WINTHROP  DE 
SCRIBES  HANCOCK  —  RECEPTION  OF  THE  NEWS — 
THE  HANCOCKS'  HAPPINESS  IMPRESSES  ADAMS- 
BOSTON  AND  NEW  YORK  JUBILANT  —  HANCOCK'S 
NAME  GIVEN  TO  SHIPS  AND  CHILDREN— EXTRACTS 
FROM  JUDGE  QUINCY'S  LETTERS  —  HANCOCK 
WRITES  TO  WASHINGTON. 118 


DEBATES  IN  PARLIAMENT — PRIVATEERS — CONGRESS  IN 
BALTIMORE— DINNERS— JOHN  HANCOCK'S  RETURN 
TO  PHILADELPHIA  —  LETTERS  TO  WIFE  —  LIFE 
WITHOUT  "  DOLLY  " — HER  ARRIVAL — REPLY  TO 
AN  ACROSTIC  ON  HANCOCK'S  NAME 124 

SEWELL'S  LETTER  TO  A  FORMER  FRIEND — WASHING 
TON'S  ANNOYANCES — DEATH  OF  DAUGHTER — MRS. 
HANCOCK  LEAVES  PHILADELPHIA — JOHN  HANCOCK 
WRITES  HER — THEIR  CHEERFUL  FIRESIDE — HAN 
COCK'S  LETTER  TO  WASHINGTON — HANCOCK'S  AD 
DRESS  TO  CONGRESS — REGRETS  AT  His  DEPARTURE. 
His  WARM  RECEPTION 1 34 

THE  HANCOCK  ESTABLISHMENT — PORTRAITS  OF  MADAM 
HANCOCK — JOHN  HANCOCK,  His  TASTES — CONSID 
ERATION  OF  OTHERS — His  GENEROSITY. 143 

BOSTONIANS  DESCRIBED — A  SON  BORN — LETTERS  TO 
'*  DOLLY  "  FROM  YORKTOWN — JOHN  HANCOCK  RE 
TURNS  TO  BOSTON — MARCHES  TO  RHODE  ISLAND — 
JUDGE  QUINCY'S  LETTER  —  FRENCH  FLEET  OFF 
SANDY  HOOK — THE  FLEET  DISABLED — LAFAYETTE 
STANDS  BY  D'ESTAING 1 50 

THE  HANCOCKS  GIVE  A  BREAKFAST  TO  THE  FRENCH 
OFFICERS — THE  FRENCHMEN  INVITE  THE  HAN 
COCKS — INDIANS  VISIT  THE  SHIP — THE  CONSTITU 
TION  OF  MASSACHUSETTS  FORMED — BALL  TO  THE 
FRENCH  OFFICERS — HANCOCK  GIVES  WASHING 
TON'S  PORTRAIT  TO  ADMIRAL  D'ESTAIGN — PRE 
SENTS  ONE  TO  LAFAYETTE 157 

LETTER  TO  GEORGE  WASHINGTON,  ESQ. — THE  Two 
PATRIOTS  ALIENATED — VOLTAIRE — PROPOSALS  OF 
PEACE  THROUGH  FRANKLIN — FRANKLIN'S  REPLY — 
CRITICISMS  OF  JOHN  HANCOCK — His  ENTERTAIN 
ING  UNDER  DIFFICULTIES. 163 

EUNICE  QUINCY— HER  MARRIAGE— RECEPTION  IN 
FRANCE— MARIE  ANTOINETTE,  GODMOTHER— DE 
VALNAIS'  EXILE— RETURNS  TO  BOSTON— LAFAY 
ETTE  ARRIVES  IN  AMERICA— EXTRACTS  FROM  His 
LETTERS 171 

JOHN  HANCOCK  ELECTED  GOVERNOR— His  POPULAR 
ITY  —  HANCOCK  ENTERTAINMENTS  —  FOREIGNERS' 
IMPRESSIONS  OF  BOSTON— JUDGE  QUINCY  HEARS 
FROM  ESTHER  AND  HER  SON— His  REPLIES 176 

BOSTON  IN  1781  —  MADAM  HANCOCK  VISITS  PORTS 
MOUTH — HANCOCK'S  EFFORTS  FOR  THE  PEOPLE — 


SURRENDER  OF  CORNWALLIS — MADAM  HANCOCK'S 
KINDNESS  TO  THE  SICK— RECEPTION  TO  ROCHAM- 
BEAU— HANCOCK'S  MODE  OF  LIVING — MADAM 
HANCOCK  ON  COMMENCEMENT  DAY — HANCOCK  AS 
PEACE-MAKER 182 

TREATY  AT  PARIS — HANCOCK,  THE  FRIEND  OF  THE  SOL 
DIER — ENDANGERS  His  FORTUNE — His  MONEY 
TRUNK — PERSISTENCE  IN  WORK — His  SON  INOCU 
LATED. 189 

LAFAYETTE  FETED  IN  BOSTON — HANCOCK'S  FAILING 
HEALTH — ILLUSTRIOUS  GUESTS — THE  GOVERNOR 
RESIGNS — His  IRRITABILITY  FROM  GOUT I91 

DEATH  OF  THE  HANCOCKS'  SON— JUDGE  QUINCY'S 
DEATH— MRS.  SEWELL  WRITES  TO  DOROTHY- 
HANCOCK  AGAIN  GOVERNOR— His  PHILANTHROPY. 
LAFAYETTE'S  GENEROSITY— CONSTITUTION  ADOPT 
ED — BOSTON  CELEBRATES  IT — FILLING  THE  OF 
FICES—THE  VOTE  FOR  GOVERNOR— DINNER  AT  THE 
HANCOCKS' 195 

THE  HANCOCKS  VISIT  PORTSMOUTH,  N.  H. — THEIR 
DEPARTURE  FROM  THERE,  AND  ESCORT — THE 
FRENCH  THEIR  GUESTS — THE  OFFICERS  RETURN 
THE  CIVILITIES — THE  HANCOCKS'  BALL  —  THE 
HANCOCKS  DINE  ON  BOARD  THE  ACHILLES — A 
PRESIDENT  AND  VICE-PRESIDENT  CHOSEN — WASH 
INGTON'S  REPLY  TO  HANCOCK'S  CONGRATULATIONS. 
ADAMS  AT  THE  HANCOCKS'. 202 

THE  HANCOCKS  RECEIVE  THE  FRENCH — BALL  ON 
BOARD  L'ILLUSTRE — EPERGNE  BROKEN — WASHING 
TON  GOES  TO  BOSTON — DISAGREEABLE  EPISODE — 
TAKES  TEA  AT  THE  HANCOCKS' — THE  LADIES 
HONOR  HIM — HE  LEAVES  FOR  PORTSMOUTH,  N.  H.  207 

AN  ODE  TO  HANCOCK — THE  AMERICAN  ARTILLERY — 
RE-ELECTED  GOVERNOR  —  PREJUDICE  AGAINST 
PLAYS — HANCOCK'S  DINNERS — DAVIS'  DEATH  — 
HANCOCK'S  LAST  TERM  OF  OFFICE — TAKES  LEAVE 
OF  THE  LEGISLATURE — FAITHFUL  TO  DUTY 215 

HANCOCK'S  DEATH — MADAM  HANCOCK  ALONE — OPIN 
IONS  OF  HANCOCK — His  FUNERAL — PORTLAND'S 
RESPECT  FOR  HIM — MADAM  HANCOCK  DEFRAYS 
THE  FUNERAL  EXPENSES — MADAM  DEEDS  HER 
SHARE  OF  THE  GARDEN 220 

MADAM  HANCOCK'S  HOSPITALITY— HER  TASTES— THE 
TRUSTED  ADVISER— THE  MARRIAGE  OF  MADAM 
HANCOCK— ESTHER'S  LETTERS— CAPTAIN  SCOTT'S 
DEATH. 228 


THE  MORTGAGE — THZ  MALL — LAFAYETTE  RETURNS  TO 
AMERICA — SALUTATION  TO  MADAM  SCOTT — HER 
DEATH — THE  WILL — MEMENTOS  OF  THE  HAN 
COCKS — PROPOSITIONS  TO  RETAIN  THE  HOUSE.  235 

THE  LEXINGTON  HOUSE— EFFORTS  TO  SAVE  IT— HAN 
COCK'S  GRAVE— THE  MONUMENT— WHERE  DORO 
THY  QUINCY  RESTS 244 


CHAPTER  I. 
DOROTHY  QUINCY'S  AMERICAN  LINEAGE. 

Dorothy  Quincy  was  a  direct  descendant  of 
Edmund  Quincy,  the  pioneer  of  that  name  to 
America  in  1628.  He  then  returned  to  England 
for  his  family,  and  when  he  again  landed  in  Bos 
ton,  September  4,  1633,  brought  the  necessary 
equipments  and  six  servants,  prepared  to  estab 
lish  himself  permanently. 

A  few  months  later  he  and  his  wife  were  ad 
mitted  to  the  "  First  Church  of  Boston." 

Edmund  was  the  first  Puritan  Quincy,  which 
so  evidently  incensed  and  alienated  his  relatives 
that,  on  his  mother's  death,  in  her  will  there  was 
no  mention  of  him  save  a  legacy  of  "  twelve 
pence  ;"  and  he  wras  ignored  by  the  brothers, 
who  also  omitted  his  name  from  their  wills. 

It  had  required  force  of  character  and  iron 
courage  to  part  from  family,  friends  and  home — 
breaking  forever  from  those  genial  ties  of  kin 
dred  to  face  hardship  and  danger  in  that  great, 
unknown  world,  where  no  cordial  words  of  greet 
ing  nor  friendly  hand  extended  from  the  bleak 
shore — to  contend  with  a  strange  and  hostile 


io  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

race,  and  start  upon  a  life  of  isolation.  But  Ed 
mund  Quincy  had  to  sustain  him  that  which  had 
buoyed  up  the  early  settlers — a  love  of  their 
God  arid  a  sublime  faith  that  He  would  uphold 
them  throagh  all  their  trials  and  discourage 
ments, 

Edmund  Quincy,  high-spirited,  undaunted  and 
talented,  soon  became  prominent  in  the  councils 
of  his  new  country.  In  1634,  eight  months  after 
his  arrival,  he  was  sent  a  deputy  to  the  General 
Court,  the  first  ever  held  in  Massachusetts  Bay. 
He  was  appointed  with  others  "  to  make  and 
assess  a  tax  of  thirty  pounds  to  Mr.  Blackstone 
to  purchase  his  right  and  title  to  the  peninsular 
of  Shawmut,  now  Boston." 

In  1635  the  town  of  Boston  granted  him  land, 
of  which  he  took  possession,  at  Mt.  Wollasten, 
which  in  1640  was  incorporated  as  Braintree  ; 
and  later  Quincy  was  partitioned  off  from  this 
town.  He  died  February  23,  1738. 

His  son,  2Edmund  Quincy,  was  born  March 
1 5th,  1627-28.  He  married  Elizabeth,  daughter 
of  Major-General  Gookin. 

2Edmund  Quincy,  energetic  and  eminent  in  the 
military  service  of  the  colonies,  filled  the  office  of 
representative  for  four  years.  He  was  the  first 
Mayor  of  Braintree.  His  name  is  enrolled  as 
member  of  the  "Council  of  Safety,"  which  formed 
the  provisional  government  of  the  colony  until 
the  arrival  of  the  new  charter  from  William  and 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  n 

Mary;  and  he  was  active  with  the  popular  party 
in  the  capture  of  Governor  Andros. 

2Edmund  Quincy  died  January  8th,  1697-98. 
His  son,  3Edmund  Quincy,  was  born  October 
2ist,  1681.     He  married  Dorothy  Flynt,  daugh 
ter  of  Rev.  J.  Flynt. 

3Edmund  Quincy  was  a  member  of  the  Board 
of  Overseers  of  Harvard  University  for  twenty 
years,  and  one  of  the  Royal  Councillors,  1715  to 
1729,  and  1734  to  1737;  appointed  colonel  of  the 
Suffolk  Regiment,  at  that  time  an  important  com 
mand;  and  in  1718  was  commissioned  Judge  of 
the  Supreme  Court,  which  office  he  held  for  nine 
teen  years.  He  has  been  described  as  a  man  of 
"  great  popularity,  profound  learning,  and  a  most 
accomplished  gentleman." 

December,  1737,  Judge  Quincy  was  sent  to  the 
Court  of  the  Sovereign  in  the  cause  of  the  prov 
ince,  and  died  on  the  23d  of  February,  1738,  of 
small-pox,  at  London. 

The  province  erected  a  monument  to  him  in 
Burnhill  Fields,  London,  which,  according  to 
custom,  after  a  certain  lapse  of  time  was  removed. 
On  the  original  tomb  was  placed  in  Latin:  "Here 
are  deposited  the  remains  of  Edmund  Quincy, 
Esq.,  native  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  in  New  Eng 
land.  A  gentleman  of  distinguished  piety,  pru 
dence  and  learning,  who  early  merited  praise  for 
discharging  with  the  greatest  ability  and  ap 
proved  integrity  the  various  employments,  both 


i*  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

in  civil  and  military  affairs,  that  his  country  en 
trusted  him  with;  these  especially,  as  one  of  his 
Majesty's  council,  a  justice  of  the  Supreme  Court 
of  Judicature,  and  a  colonel  of  a  regiment  of 
foot." 

The  General  Assembly,  in  further  recognition 
of  his  services,  granted  to  his  heirs  one  thousand 
acres  of  land  in  Lennox,  Massachusetts  Bay. 

A  sermon  on  the  death  of  Edmund  Quincy  was 
delivered  in  Boston,  1738,  pointing  to  the  "  in 
stability  of  human  greatness,"  by  Rev.  John  Han 
cock,  Jr.,  from  which  I  select  a  few  extracts.  The 
text  was  Isaiah  3:  i,  2,  3 — "For,  behold  the 
Lord,  the  Lord  of  hosts,  doth  take  away  from 
Jerusalem  and  from  Judah  .  .  .  the  mighty 
man,  and  the  man  of  war,  the  judge,  and  prudent, 
and  the  ancient  .  .  .  the  honorable  man, 
and  the  counselor  .  .  .  and  the  eloquent 
orator." 

"  I  have  scarcely  known  any  of  our  worthy 
patriots  to  whom  the  several  excellent  characters 
of  my  text  could  with  more  justice  be  applied 
than  the  honorable  person  whom  we  are  now 
commemorating.  They  all  seem  to  have  united 
and  'centered  in  him  in  an  uncommon  degree. 
But  I  could  wish  that  a  much  more  skillful  hand 
were  employed  to  draw  at  length  the  masterly 
strokes  of  this  great  character  .  .  .  You  do 
not  mourn  the  loss  alone,  for  this  assembly,  this 


JUDGE    EDMUND   QUINCY    III, 

(Original  in  the  Museum  of  Fine  Xrts?,  Boston,  Mass.) 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  13 

town — nay,  this  whole  province,  are  in  affliction 
for  it." 

Two  portraits  of  Judge  Quincy  are  still  extant, 
painted  by  John  Symbert,  the  first  guide  to  paint 
ing  in  this  country,  who  arrived  here  in  1728. 

4Edmund  Quincy,  son  of  Judge  Quincy,  was 
born  in  1703,  and  graduated  at  Harvard  in  1722. 
He  served  as  magistrate  and  later  filled  the  office 
of  Judge  of  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas,  and  was 
looked  up  to  for  his  high  probity  and  judgment. 

4Edmund  Quincy  married  Elizabeth  Wendell, 
and  these  were  the  parents  of  Dorothy  Quincy. 
Elizabeth  Wendell  was  the  daughter  of  Abraham 
Wendell  and  Katherine  De  Kay,  of  New  York. 

In  the  history  of  Braintree  we  read  :  "  The 
Quincys  from  the  earliest  time  have  lent  their  in 
fluence  to  support  and  their  virtues  to  adorn  the 
institutions  of  religion  here,  as  well  as  the  insti 
tutions  of  government  and  learning  on  a  wider 
theatre." 

Mrs.  Abigail  Adams,  who  was  a  Miss  Quincy, 
in  one  of  her  letters  from  England  in  1787,  has  a 
revival  of  interest  in  her  family  tree  after  a  visit 
to  Winchester,  as  a  former  Earl  of  Winchester 
bore  the  name  of  Saer  de  Quincy,  and  his  coat- 
of-arms  was  similar  to  that  of  the  family  in  Amer 
ica. 

In  the  early  days  of  New  England  the  coat-of- 
arms  was  cut  on  the  tombstone,  thus  designating 
the  family  connection  with  the  "  mother  country." 


M  DOROTHY   QUINCY 

Mrs.  Adams  distinctly  recalled  an  old  parch 
ment  that  she  had  studied  when  a  young  girl  at 
her  grandmother's,  wherein  the  genealogical 
table  gave  the  descent  of  the  Ouincys  from  the 
advent  of  William  the  Conqueror  into  England. 

This  record  had  been  lent  to  a  member  of  the 
family,  and  Mrs.  Adams  wrote  that  her  grand 
mother  often  deplored,  with  some  anger,  that  she 
could  never  regain  it.  Mrs.  Adams  wished  that 
inquiries  be  made  then  to  see  "  whether  there  is 
any  probability  of  its  ever  being  recovered?" 

Families  had  been  forced  to  leave  Boston  sud 
denly  at  the  time  of  the  siege,  which  endangered 
many  valuable  papers,  and  must  have  entailed 
losses  difficult  to  replace.  This  may  account  for 
the  total  disappearance  of  the  Ouincy  family  pedi 
gree. 

Mrs.  Adams  added  :  "  I  do  not  expect  either 
titles  or  estate  from  the  recovery  of  the  genealog 
ical  table  were  there  any  probability  of  obtaining 
it.  Yet,  if  I  was  in  possession  of  it,  money 
should  not  purchase  it  from  me." 


CHAPTER  II. 

HOME  LIFE  OF  THE  QUINCYS — ESTHER  QUINCY — JOHN 
ADAMS — J.  SEWELL. 

The  life  of  Dorothy  Quincy  touches  on  the 
colonial  period,  but  was  chiefly  passed  during  the 
time  of  the  Revolution  and  the  following  days  of 
peace. 

To  write  of  her  is  to  enter  extensively  into  the 
scenes  of  the  turbulent  age  in  which  she  lived, 
and  in  which  her  husband,  John  Hancock,  took  a 
leading  part. 

Looking  back  through  the  great  lapse  of  time 
to  those  stirring,  revolutionary  days,  noticeable 
is  the  contrast  between  the  present  and  that 
period.  The  lives,  customs,  ideas  and  education 
enveloped  each  household  with  a  mantle  of  piety 
that  skeptical  hands  had  not  swept  aside,  nor 
dropped  because  of  its  irksome  restraint.  A 
calm  that  one  might  call  blessed  reigned,  and  the 
spirit  of  unrest  had  not  entered  nor  broken  up 
these  peaceful  homes. 

The  Bible  was  daily  read  and  prayers  were  of 
fered  up  morning  and  evening,  all  the  members 
of  the  family  assembling  for  that  purpose.  This 
was  their  anchorage,  and  it  seemed  a  safe  one. 


16  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

On  Sunday  came  the  regular  attendance  at 
church  ;  and  the  quiet  of  the  streets  was  broken 
only  by  the  pealing  bells  calling  the  worshipers 
together.  These  services  were  not  considered 
onerous,  for  their  hearts  were  filled  with  devotion 
and  a  belief  that  a  Divine  Providence  was  watch 
ing  over  them,  which  inspired  their  adoration. 
He  was  in  their  daily  thoughts;  His  words  were 
on  their  lips  and  pervaded  their  writings.  They 
revered  Him,  yet  feared  Him  if  they  did  wrong. 

"  Happy  is  he,"  says  Lamartine,  "  who  by 
God's  will  is  born  of  a  good  and  holy  family.  It 
is  the  first  of  all  the  blessings  of  destiny." 

This  was  the  atmosphere  in  which  Dorothy 
Quincy  was  raised.  It  was  the  home  of  the 
Christian,  and  Judge  Quincy 's  was  not  an  aus 
tere  but  a  cheerful  one.  He  rarely  frowned  on 
the  buoyant  spirits  of  his  children,  his  great  care 
being  to  instill  what  was  right,  and  to  guide  the 
daughters,  as  well  as  the  sons,  in  the  observance 
of  it. 

He  enjoyed  his  cultivated  fields,  and  wrote 
some  works  on  agriculture.  At  one  time  he  was 
desirous  of  raising  the  grape  for  wine,  and  ap 
prised  his  friend  Franklin  of  this  project.  Frank 
lin,  who  was  in  Philadelphia  at  the  time,  entered 
heartily  into  assisting  him  to  procure  the  vines, 
and  sent  "  seventy  miles  from  the  city  for  them 
into  the  country."  He  despatched  one  bundle 
by  sea  and  one  by  land — the  better  to  ensure 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  17 

their  reaching"  Judge  Quincy — and  concluded  his 
letter  with  :  "  I  heartily  wish  you  success  in  your 
attempt  to  make  wine  from  American  grapes  !" 

Dorothy,  the  youngest  of  ten  children,  was 
horn  May  10,  1747.  She  early  gave  promise  of 
her  meritorious  characteristics. 

In  a  letter  of  Edmund  Quincy  to  his  wife  from 
Boston,  July  26,  1756,  he  writes  that  the  "daugh 
ter  Dolly "  looked  very  comfortable  and  had 
gone  to  school,  "  where  she  seems  to  be  very  high 
in  her  mistress'  graces." 

When  back  in  the  old  colonial  mansion  that 
had  been  occupied  by  her  forefathers,  Dorothy 
reveled  in  the  freedom  from  school  restraint,  and 
was  again  a  child  of  nature  with  a  love  of  all  her 
beautiful  surroundings. 

Here  this  little  girl  skipped  over  the  broad 
acres — her  dark  tresses  floating  in  the  breeze, 
her  large  eyes  dancing  with  delight — as  she  gath 
ered  the  dainty  wild  flowers,  or  culled  the  meadow 
strawberries,  studied  the  speckled  frog  in  the  old 
stream,  or  chased  the  variegated  butterfly — her 
self  as  picturesque  and  unfettered. 

Her  old  home  stands  in  Quincy,  with  the  re 
mains  of  a  walled  stream,  and  the  large  bushes  of 
box  marking  the  garden.  It  was  formerly  a  con 
spicuous  feature  of  this  ancient  town,  but  now  the 
vast  grounds  have  from  time  to  time  been  sold 
and  encroached  upon  with  buildings. 


i8  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

The  interior  is  still  curious,  the  many  addi 
tions  marking  the  varied  taste  of  its  owners.  The 
hall  is  intact,  with  the  winding  staircase  and 
carved  baluster.  When  I  visited  it  some  years 
ago  one  room  arrested  especial  attention,  pan 
eled  with  flowers  and  cupids,  said  to  have  been 
papered  for  the  wedding  of  Dorothy  Quincy. 
The  ceremony  took  place  elsewhere  in  conse 
quence  of  the  troubled  state  of  the  country  and 
fears  for  the  safety  of  her  intended  husband. 

Judge  Edmund  Quincy,  the  father  of  Dorothy, 
was  regarded  with  the  greatest  respect.  A  de 
vout  Christian,  he  was  also  an  earnest  patriot, 
and  what  time  he  could  spare  from  his  God  he 
gave  with  warm  interest  to  his  country.  He  was 
an  ardent  promoter  of  the  Revolution,  and  his 
letters  to  Hancock,  Franklin  and  others  are  pre 
served,  breathing  predictions  of  what  later 
proved  the  consummation  of  the  struggle. 

There  assembled  under  his  roof  men  of  brains, 
of  resolution,  and  of  public  spirit,  watchful  of 
Britain  and  of  their  own  rights  ;  and  Dorothy 
Quincy,  after  she  entered  her  teens,  must  have 
heard  much  of  patriotism  mingled  with  the  soft 
whisperings  of  love. 

Judge  Quincy  was  a  fine  linguist,  which  gave 
him  a  breadth  of  reading  beyond  his  own  coun 
try.  He  drew  younger  men  to  his  house,  as  well 
as  those  of  his  own  age,  who  listened  attentively 
to  his  intelligent  conversation,  though  his  cap- 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  19 

tivating  daughters  may  have  also  been  attrahent 
to  the  youths  of  that  day. 

Before  Dorothy  Ouincy's  debut  into  the  great 
world  there  came  as  a  visitor  John  Adams,  a 
young  lawyer,  and  evidently  one  of  the  intimates 
of  the  house.  We  read  in  his  diary  frequent 
mention  that  he  had  gone  over  to  "  Justice 
Quincy's  "  and  had  a  talk  with  him  ;  but  there 
was  also  a  supplementary  sauce  piquant  in  the 
sprightly  tilts  with  the  daughter  Esther. 

In  a  letter  from  Portsmouth,  N.  H.,3  August 
6th.  1/57,  Esther  writes  to  one  of  her  sisters  : 
"  Give  my  duty  to  my  father,  and  tell  him  I  was 
extremely  glad  for  the  receipt  of  his  kind  epistle  ; 
but  how  much  more  agreeable  was  I  entertained 
in  reading  the  contents  of  it  !  His  advice  I'll  en 
deavor  to  follow."  She  continues,  that  she  will 
try  to  "  steer  clear  of  the  flatteries  of  life,"  and 
says,  *'  I  think  it  is  an  honest  resolution,  for  our 
eternal  felicity  depends  upon  our  good  behavior. 
.  .  Kiss  Dolly."  A  kiss  for  the  dear  little 
pet  who  held  all  hearts.  Adams  wrote  freely  of 
this  elder  sister,  her  disposition,  also  of  the 
cousin  Hannah  Quincy,  whom  he  designates  by 
the  letter  "  O." 

They  were  handsome,  brilliant  girls,  and  Mr. 
John  Adams,  with  his  lively  badinage,  met  in 
them  his  match. 

He  writes  of  Esther  in  1759  :  "  I  talk  to  Esther 
about  the  follv  of  love,  about  despising,  about 


Jo  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

being  above  it — pretend  to  be  insensible  of  ten 
der  passions,  which  makes  them  laugh." 

This  vein  of  talk  was  instigated  no  doubt  by 
Esther's  having  a  devoted  lover,  Jonathan  Sew- 
ell,  whom  she  married  in  1763.  He  was  the  last 
attorney-general  of  the  province,  and  later  be 
came  a  royalist  refugee. 

Referring  to  Esther  Adams  says  :  "  E.  looks 
pert,  sprightly,  gay,  but  thinks  and  reads  much 
less  than  O."  ..."  O.  makes  observations 
on  actions,  characters,  events  in  Pope's,  Homer, 
Milton,  Pope's  poems,  and  plays,  romances,  etc., 
that  she  reads,  and  asks  questions  about  them  in 
company — '  What  do  you  think  of  Helen?  What 
do  you  think  of  Hector,  etc.?  What  character 
do  you  like  best?'  .  .  .  These  are  questions 
that  prove  a  thinking  mind.  E.  asks  none  such." 

Where  was  little  Dorothy  at  this  time?  Nest 
ling  in  her  trundle-bed  or  sitting  on  a  cricket  by 
the  fireside,  stroking  her  kitten,  a  quiet  observer 
absorbing  and  wondering  what  they  meant  as 
talk  rattled  from  grave  to  gay. 

Adams  soothes  himself  after  he  has  drawn  off 
into  the  stillness  of  his  room  with  :  "  I  am  very 
thankful  for  these  checks — good  treatment  makes 
me  think  I  am  admired  and  beloved — a  check,  a 
frown,  a  sneer,  a  sarcasm  rouses  my  spirits, 
makes  me  more  careful  and  considerate.  It 
may,  in  short,  be  made  a  question  whether  good 
treatment  or  bad  is  best  for  me." 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  21 

Backgammon  and  cards  were  the  diversions 
among  the  men,  with  the  never-failing*  punch. 
Adams  condemns  it,  remarking,  *'  While  a  hun 
dred  of  the  best  books  lie  on  the  shelves,  desks 
and  chairs  in  the  same  room."  And,  as  to  a 
game  of  cards,  he  continues,  "  It  gratifies  none 
of  the  senses,  neither  sight,  hearing,  taste,  smell 
ing,  nor  feeling  ;  it  can  entertain  the  mind  only 
by  hushing  its  clamors.  That  cards,  backgam 
mon,  etc.,  are  the  greatest  antidotes  to  reflection, 
to  thinking — that  cruel  tyrant  within  us."5 

Sewell,  whose  courtship  brought  him  to  Brain- 
tree,  commonly  on  Saturdays,  where  he  remained 
until  Monday,  was  frequently  seen  by  Adams, 
who  describes  him  as  possessed  of  "  lively  wit, 
a  pleasing  humor,  a  brilliant  imagination,  a  great 
subtlety  of  reasoning  and  an  insinuating  elo 
quence."6 

In  another  work  is  a  notice  of  the  engagement. 
"  Sewell  soon  fell  in  love  with  Miss  Esther 
Quincy,  fourth  daughter  of  Edmund  Quincy. 
This  young  lady  was  celebrated  for  her  beauty, 
vivacity  and  spirit.  Their  courtship  extended 
several  years." 

John  Adams  met  him  every  Sunday  at  the 
Quincy 's,  and  a  great  intimacy  followed,  but  he 
could  not  "  coincide  in  his  views  about  Great 
Britain  and  her  power."7 

Adams  says  of  Sewell  :  "  Political  principles 
were  to  me,  in  that  state  of  the  country,  sacred. 


23  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

I  could  not  follow  him  and  he  could  not  follow 
me."  This  shows  how  early  the  seeds  of  thought 
were  developing  on  the  vital  problem  of  the 
country  among  the  men  of  Massachusetts. 

In  Tudor's  "Life  of  James  Otis"  he  says  of 
judge  Sewell  :  "  Though  he  was  always  opposed 
to  every  measure  of  injustice  against  his  country, 
he  adhered  to  the  side  of  the  ministry  from  be 
lieving,  as  did  many  others,  that  the  power  of 
England  could  at  any  time  crush  the  colonies." 

Judge  Sewell  was  married  to  Miss  Quincy  in 
1763.  They  had  two  sons,  John,  born  in  Cam 
bridge  in  1766  ;  and  Stephen,  born  in  Boston 
in  1770.  The  year  1775  found  them  seeking 
refuge  in  England,  but  in  1788  they  returned  to 
Nova  Scotia.  Here  Judge  Sewell  died  Septem 
ber  1 6,  1796,  aged  sixty-eight.  John,  the  son, 
was  appointed  Chief  Justice  of  Lower  Canada, 
and  Stephen  became  Attorney-General  of  Can 
ada.8 

•  Mrs.  Sewell,  who  was  born  November  26,  1738, 
died  January  25,  1810. 

There  were  still  other  believers  with  St.  Chry- 
sostom,  that  "  woman  is  a  desirable  calamity,  a 
dreadful  fascination  ;"  as  all  the  daughters  of 
Judge  Quincy  married  with  the  exception  of 
Katherine. 

Elizabeth,  the  eldest,  born  October  15,  1729, 
married  Samuel  Sewell  May  18,  1749.  She  died 
February  15,  1770. 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  23 

Sarah,  born  October  2,  1736,  married  General 
Wm.  Greenleaf,  of  Lancaster,  Mass.,  December 
20,  1763.  Died  March  12,  1790. 

Edmund  Quincy's  son  Henry,  born  January 
20,  1726-7,  married  Mary  Salter.  His  second 
wife  was  Eunice  Newell. 

Edmund  Quincy,  born  February  5,  1725-6, 
married  Ann  Husk. 

Jacob.,  born  October  2,  1734,  graduated  at 
Harvard  College  in  1753.  He  served  at  Crown 
Point  in  1756  with  Colonel  Joseph  Dwight's  Reg 
iment.9  Was  physician  and  surgeon  on  the  gov 
ernment  vessel  called  "The  Country's  Ship," 
which  sailed  for  the  West  Indies.  Dr.  Quincy 
invested  extensively  while  there,  the  opportunity 
being  favorable. 

In  1760  he  married  Elizabeth  Williams,  daugh 
ter  of  Captain  John  Williams,  of  Boston.  His 
death  took  place  at  St.  Eustatius,  W.  I.,  June  15, 
T773-  The  family  neglected  to  secure  his  prop 
erty,  but  years  after  Daniel  Webster  was  con 
sulted  by  one  of  the  descendants  as  to  the  recov 
ery  of  the  estate.  He  was  willing  to  take  the 
case,  and  go  to  Demerara  himself,  if  allowed  half 
of  the  property  for  his  fee. 


CHAPTER  III. 
DOROTHY  QUINCY. 

Dorothy  Quincy,  the  youngest  and  naturally 
the  caressed  darling-  of  this  large  family,  had  seen 
her  attractive  elder  sisters  pass  from  their  home 
to  establishments  of  their  own — drop  out  from 
the  kindred  circle  into  the  matrimonial  fold  with 
men  of  their  choice. 

These  sisters  had  been  the  confidants  of  her 
little  plans  and  pranks,  the  directors  of  her  games 
and  frolics  ;  had  smiled  approvingly  or  laughed 
at  their  absurdity  as  the,  heart  unfolded  in  its 
artless  freshness.  This  was  prior  to  education 
from  contact  with  the  world,  which  trains  the 
heart  to  conceal  its  emotions — to  check  its  en 
thusiasms.  Dorothy  was  too  young  to  have  had 
much  companionship  with  her  sisters. 

Carefully  reared  under  a  gentle  mother's 
watchfulness  through  the  early  part  of  her  life, 
when  old  enough  she  was  launched  into  the  social 
world  under  more  favorable  auspices  than  usually 
fall  to  the  lot  of  a  young  girl.  Cultured  and 
agreeable  she  drew  friends  and  attracted  admir 
ers  ;  she  won  all  hearts,  and  a  place  in  society 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  35 

from  which  nothing  could  dethrone  her.  Ad 
mired  and  sought  after  Dorothy  Quincy  steered 
through  the  dangerous  shoals  of  high-seasoned 
compliments  to  remain  a  bright,  unspoiled  beauty 
that  no  flattery  could  harm. 

None  of  her  suitors  met  with  especial  favor, 
and  she  remained  heart-whole  until  one  man  was 
pictured  to  her  mind  endowed  with  qualities 
nearer  to  her  standard  than  any  she  had  known. 

She  had  sat  demurely  listening  to  her  father's 
visitors  as  they  dilated  on  the  merits  of  this  rising 
young  citizen — this  resolute  advocate  of  justice 
who  unflinchingly  braved  the  mother  country— 
until  it  riveted  her  attention,  touched  a  respon 
sive  chord,  roused  her  enthusiasm  modestly  held 
in  -check,  and  an  intense  admiration  gradually 
moulded  John  Hancock  into  the  beau-ideal  of 
her  day-dreams  as  he  also  filled  the  reveries  of 
other  fair  ones. 

A  French  writer  tells  us  that  "  the  heart  of  a 
woman  is  never  unoccupied,"  and  Dorothy 
Quincy  had  reached  that  stage.  She  watched 
and  saw  Hancock  spring  into  popular  favor, 
gradually  onward  and  upward,  winning  positions 
that  even  older  men  would  have  been  gratified  to 
fill. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

JOHN  HANCOCK'S  PARENTAGE — THOMAS  HANCOCK — J. 
HANCOCK  IN  LONDON — His  RETURN  HOME — EN 
TERS  PUBLIC  LIFE. 


John  Hancock  was  born  in  1737  at  Braintree, 
Mass.,  of  which  it  has  been  said  :  "  There  is  no 
spot  in  New  England  consecrated  by  more  mem 
orable  associations  and  less  worthy  to  be  noticed 
with  a  passing,  negligent  or  superficial  observa 
tion.  Here  also  lived  the  ancestors  of  Samuel 
Adams,  the  patriot  ;  and  John  Adams,  the  Presi 
dent  of  the  United  States."1 

"  The  father  of  John  Hancock  was  the  Rev, 
John  Hancock,  who  graduated  from  Harvard, 
and  was  ordained  a  minister  at  Braintree." 

"  His  grandfather,  Rev.  John  Hancock,  re 
sided  at  Lexington,  Mass.,  where  his  home  be 
came  in  time  an  historic  monument."  He  has 
been  described  as  a  "  man  of  stern  Puritanic  stuff, 
but  a  lover  of  a  good  story  and  a  cheerful  word 
nevertheless.  His  word  was  law  as  well  as  gos 
pel  among  his  Lexington  parishioners.  Bishop 
Hancock  he  was  sometimes  called,  and  in  the 
town  records  Sir  Hancock,  a  title  occasionally 
given  the  old  New  England  ministers." 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  27 

John  Hancock's  juvenile  days  were  passed  un 
der  a  religious  influence,  the  precepts  of  which 
he  retained  through  life.  He  lost  his  father  when 
seven  years  old,  and  was  then  adopted  by  his 
uncle,  Thomas  Hancock,  who  resided  in  Boston. 
He  was  one  of  the  richest  and  most  respected 
merchants  of  that  city. 

Mr.  Thomas  Hancock  had  built  in  1737  a 
handsome  house  on  Beacon  street.  The  grounds 
extended  from  Mt.  Vernon  to  Joy  street.  The 
garden  was  laid  out  with  extreme  care,  filled  with 
rare  trees  and  shrubs,  for  which  Mr.  Hancock 
showed  a  great  predilection,  sending  abroad  to 
obtain  the  choicest  varieties. 

The  interior  of  the  mansion  was  adorned  with 
all  that  wealth  could  procure  from  England  to 
add  to  the  comfort  and  elegance  of  a  home.  The 
numerous  orders  of  Mr.  Thomas  Hancock  com 
prised  wall  paper,  the  designs  to  be  animals,  birds 
and  flowers  ;  the  best  sterling  Madeira  wines  for 
his  own  use.  And  he  wrote,  "  I  don't  stand  for 
any  price,  provided  the  quality  of  the  wine 
answers  to  it."  Everything  must  be  of  the  first 
quality,  from  the  "  best  new  rose  May  butter  "  to 
the  "  eiderdown  bed  cover  ;"  and  "  the  best  quart 
bottles  of  champagne  "  to  "  the  best  of  paper."2 

Negroes  were  the  servants  at  that  time,  being- 
most  kindly  cared  for  by  this  family.  Thomas 
Hancock  willed  several  to  his  widow  ;  and  one, 


38  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

from  attachment  for  his  faithful  services,  was 
buried  in  the  Hancock  plot. 

Thomas  Hancock's  generous  heart,  overflow 
ing  with  love  for  his  nephew,  liberally  indulged 
him,  which  did  not  result  in  the  wreck  of  a  fine 
man,  as  might  have  been  expected,  because  of  the 
solid  foundation  of  his  character. 

In  1754  John  Hancock  graduated  from  Har 
vard,  and  in  1763  he  started  on  a  foreign  tour 
under  the  auspices  of  Governor  Pownal,  who 
was  his  uncle's  friend.  They  visited  England 
and  witnessed  the  funeral  ceremonies  over  King 
George  II. 

In  a  letter  of  John  Hancock's  from  London, 
October  29,  1760,  he  writes  :  "  Sunday  last  the 
Prince  of  Wales  was  proclaimed  King  thro'  ye 
city  with  pomp  and  joy.  His  coronation,  I  am 
told,  will  not  be  till  April  ;  that  I  can't  yet  de 
termine  whether  I  shall  stay  to  see  it,  but  rather 
think  I  shall,  as  it  is  the  grandest  thing  I  shall 
ever  meet  with."3 

John  Hancock  was  in  London  and  witnessed 
this  brilliant  ceremony.  Later  he  was  presented 
at  court.  As  this  tall,  comely  youth  bent  low  be 
fore  him  no  thought  entered  King  George's  mind 
that  he  would  become  a  powerful  factor  against 
his  sovereign  power  ;  nor  that  fifteen  years  later 
he  would  set  a  price  on  his  head — this  man  who 
was  to  be  President  of  the  American  Congress 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  39 

that  should  declare  for  the  independence  of  the 
King's  colonies. 

John  Hancock  was  treated  with  consideration, 
and  had  given  to  him  a  snuff-box  on  which  was 
the  King's  likeness. 

March  of  that  year,  in  a  vein  of  strong  com 
mon-sense,  he  wrote  from  London  :  "  I  shall 
with  satisfaction  bid  adieu  to  this  grand  place, 
with  all  its  pleasurable  enjoyments  and  tempting 
scenes,  for  more  substantial  pleasures,  which  I 
promise  myself  in  the  enjoyment  of  my  friends  in 
America."4 

Hancock  landed  in  Boston  from  his  foreign 
travel  with  no  pretension  nor  affectation,  but  with 
broadened  ideas  and  instructed  in  the  govern 
ment  of  European  countries,  from  which  he  re 
turned  a  lover  of  his  own  land  and  of  republican 
ism.  The  seed  had  been  sown,  and  when  ripened 
it  developed  him  into  one  of  the  most  indefatig 
able  of  patriots,  for  he  applied  himself  to  the 
study  of  his  country  and  of  its  needs. 

Public  attention  was  fixed  on  the  Stamp  Act. 
Pitt  rose  in  the  House  of  Commons  to  discuss  it 
and  uttered  these  words  :  "  In  a  good  cause,  on 
a  sound  bottom,  the  force  of  this  country  can 
crush  America  to  atoms.  I  know  the  valor  of 
your  troops  ;  I  know  the  skill  of  your  officers/'5 
Whereas  Franklin,  when  summoned  before  Par 
liament,  said  :  "  They  will  not  find  a  rebellion  ; 
they  may  indeed  ntakc  one  with  their  Stamp 


30  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

Act."8  In  1765  the  Stamp  Act  was  passed,  and 
John  Hancock  openly  denounced  it  and  declared 
lie  would  not  use  the  stamps.  "  I  will  not  be 
made  a  slave  of  without  my  consent."  .  .  . 
"  Not  a  man  in  England,  in  proportion  to  estate, 
pays  the  tax  that  I  do  !" 

This  inaugurated  one  of  those  critical  periods 
that  tries  a  man's  ability,  and  John  Hancock 
stood  the  test.  Honors  followed  him,  and  in 
1766  and  '67  he  was  sent  a  representative  to  the 
General  Court.  "He  was  appointed  chairman 
upon  deliberations  which  involved  the  highest  in 
terest  of  the  community." 

John  Adams  said  of  him  :  "  The  two  men 
whom  I  have  known  to  enter  the  stage  of  life 
with  the  most  luminous,  unclouded  prospects  and 
the  best  founded  hopes  were  James  Otis  and  John 
Hancock."7 

Thus  Dorothy  Quincy's  favorable  impressions 
of  John  Hancock  were  constantly  replenished  by 
fresh  and  striking  incidents  of  his  spirit  and  fear 
lessness.  September,  1768,  when  it  was  rumored 
that  troops  had  been  ordered  from  Halifax,  Sam 
uel  Adams,  John  Hancock,  John  Adams  and 
James  Otis  waited  upon  the  Governor  to  ask  if 
the  report  was  true,  and  requested  him  to  call  a 
special  meeting  of  the  Assembly.  He  declined, 
but  his  "  tone  was  more  conciliatory  when  he  saw 
the  popularity  of  the  leaders." 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  31 

They  held  a  meeting,  in  defiance  of  Governor 
Bernard's  refusal,  in  Faneuil  Hall,  and  ninety- 
six  towns  were  represented.  They  resolved  they 
would  peril  their  lives  and  fortunes  to  defend  their 
rights,  etc.  ;"  "  that  money  cannot  be  granted, 
nor  a  standing  army  kept  up  in  the  province,  but 
by  their  own  free  consent." 

These  were  the  men  who  would  not,  at  the  call 
of  the  British  ministry,  rescind  their  resolutions 
denying  the  power  of  Parliament  to  tax  the  col 
onies  ;  nor  would  they  recall  the  circular  ad 
dressed  to  other  colonies  asking  their  co-opera 
tion  and  support  in  defence  of  their  just  rights.8 

Soon  after  seven  armed  vessels  from  Halifax 
brought  troops  to  Boston  and  pointed  their  guns 
at  the  shore.  The  crowd  on  the  wharf  looked  on 
in  sullen  silence  while  they  landed  and  "  tramped 
by  with  colors  flying — the  drums  beating — as  if 
entering  a  conquered  city."9 

They  had  great  difficulty  in  securing  quarters, 
the  inhabitants  giving  them  no  aid  ;  so  some  en 
camped  on  the  Common. 

John  Adams  writes,  as  days  rolled  on,  how 
serious  and  indignant  it  made  him  to  have  the 
soldiers  drilled  constantly  in  front  of  his  house  ; 
and  it  was  not  dispelled,  though,  as  he  says,  some 
what  soothed  "  by  the  sweet  songs,  violins  and 
flutes  of  the  serenading  Sons  of  Liberty  under  my 
windows  in  the  evening."10 


3*  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

Large  dinners  were  given  to  keep  the  men  in 
closer  touch  ;  and  Adams  relates  of  one,  in  1769, 
where  two  tables  were  laid  in  an  open  field,  near 
a  barn,  with  an  awning  overhead  ;  that  three 
hundred  and  fifty  Sons  of  Liberty  sat  down  to  the 
feast.  He  writes  :  "  To  the  honor  of  the  Sons  1 
did  not  see  one  person  intoxicated,  or  near  it." 

"  Between  four  and  five  o'clock  the  carriages 
were  all  got  ready,  and  the  company  rode  off  in 
procession — Mr.  Hancock  first,  in  his  chariot, 
and  another  chariot  bringing  up  the  rear." 


CHAPTER  V. 

THE  ENDEAVORS  TO  WIN  HANCOCK — SAMUEL  ADAMS 
UPHOLDS  HIM — ADAMS  AND  HANCOCK  AT  VARI 
ANCE — THEIR  RECONCILIATION — DOROTHY  QUINCY 
LOSES  HER  MOTHER — JOHN  HANCOCK'S  AND  DOR 
OTHY  QUINCY'S  ATTRACTION  TO  EACH  OTHER. 

On  March  5,  1770,  Boston  received  its  first 
shock  of  hostilities.  British  soldiers  had  fired 
and  blood  had  been  shed.  This  stung  into  ani 
mosity  both  young-  and  old,  and  the  event  was 
ever  after  known  as  the  "  Boston  Massacre." 

The  following  day  there  gathered  a  meeting  of 
the  inhabitants,  and  Samuel  Adams,  with  John 
Hancock  at  the  head  of  a  committee,  requested 
Governor  Hutchinson  to  remove  the  troops.1 
From  this  time  each  fresh  exaction  of  the  Home 
Government  lighted  on  a  smouldering  spark 
which  finally,  with  volcanic  force,  broke  forth  into 
an  eruption  that  convulsed  the  country. 

Lord  Hillsborough  wrote  to  the  Governor  that 
he  had  it  in  command  from  highest  authority  to 
enjoin  him  to  promote  Mr.  Hancock  on  every 
occasion.2 

In  1771  the  royal  Governor  notified  a  friend  in 
England  that  Hancock  "  was  one  of  those  of  any 


34  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

consideration  who  still  held  out  against  him,"  but 
he  thought  he  could  end  his  influence.3 

He  endeavored  by  conciliation  to  win  him,  and 
offered  to  Hancock  a  commission,  honoring  him 
with  a  seat  in  the  council,  but  "  the  patriot  tore 
the  parchment  into  shreds  in  the  presence  of  the 
people."4 

"  He  offered  to  John  Adams  an  office,  which 
he  hurled  back  with  disdain." 

Governor  Hutchinson,  though  desirous  to  se 
cure  Hancock  on  the  side  of  the  Government,  had 
to  contend  against  Samuel  Adams,  equally  solic 
itous  to  retain  him  with  the  patriots  ;  and  every 
influence  was  brought  to  bear  by  these  opposing 
parties  to  enroll  him  in  their  ranks. 

It  was  at  this  juncture  that  Samuel  Adams  and 
Hancock  had  a  break  in  their  friendship,  which 
lasted  a  year.5  This  greatly  encouraged  Gov 
ernor  Hutchinson,  who  now  believed  the  way 
open  to  gain  his  point.  Notices  were  circulated 
and  sent  to  England  that  Hancock  had  been  won 
over  ;  but  Hutchinson  and  his  agents  failed  to 
accomplish  it  with  all  their  schemes. 

Samuel  Adams,  in  a  letter  to  Arthur  Lee,  April 
9,  1773,  magnanimously  wrote  of  Hancock  :  "  It 
was  maliciously  reported  that  he  had  deserted  the 
faction  and  become  a  friend  of  the  Government. 
With  spirit  Hancock  refused  a  seat  at  the  Board, 
and  continued  a  member  of  the  House,  where  he 
in  every  instance  joined  with  friends  of  the  Con- 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  35 

stitution  in  opposition  to  the  measures  of  a  cor 
rupt  administration  ;  and,  in  particular,  no  one 
discoursed  with  more  firmness  against  the  inde 
pendence  of  the  Governor  and  the  judges  than 
he."6 

Historians  tell  us  there  had  been  "many  knaves 
ready  to  widen  the  breach  between  Adams  and 
Hancock,  but  they  were  soon  detected,  and  mu 
tual  friends  made  up  the  difference."7 

After  their  reconciliation  John  Hancock  had 
the  full  length  portrait  of  Samuel  Adams  painted 
by  John  Singleton  Copley  ;  also  one  of  himself. 
These  hung  in  his  drawing-room  for  fifty  years, 
and  were  then  placed  in  Faneuil  Hall.8 

In  1769  Dorothy  Quincy  had  the  misfortune  to 
lose  her  mother,  who  was  followed  to  the  old 
Granary  Burying  Ground  by  a  very  large  con 
course  of  relatives  and  friends. 

There  was  one  among  them,  a  highly  accom 
plished  lady,  Mrs.  Lydia  Hancock,  widow  of 
Thomas  Hancock,  who  had  a  particular  predilec 
tion  for  this  motherless  girl,  to  whom  she  later 
acted  as  chaperon,  and  lavished  on  her  much 
affection. 

Under  these  circumstances  there  had  also  been 
received  at  the  house  of  Judge  Quincy  John  Han 
cock,  the  nephew  and  adopted  son  of  this  same 
lady.  Thus  Dorothy  Quincy  came  into  closer 
amity  with  her  hero. 


36  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

The  silent,  mutual  predilection  for  each  other 
did  not  escape  the  watchful  eye  of  "  Aunt  Lydia," 
who  improved  her  opportunities  to  extol  the 
nephew's  numerous  virtues  ;  and  many  civilities 
were  extended  .to  Miss  Ouincy  whenever  she 
called  at  the  Hancock  mansion. 

Mention  of  this  captivating-  favorite  is  in  the 
memoirs  of  J.  Singleton  Copley.  Her  name  is 
included  "  among1  the  distinguished  women  of 
the  time — and  all  noted  in  their  time  for  unusual 
attractions." 

Xot  to  have  been  attracted  to  Dorothy  Quincy 
would  have  argued  a  man  of  steel,  of  which  there 
are  but  few.  Men  cold,  calculating  and  hard — 
so  incased  in  self  that  all  woman's  lovable  charms 
fail  to  penetrate  or  leave  the  faintest  impress. 

John  Hancock,  with  a  heart  full  of  patriotism, 
found  also  place  to  install  there  the  fair  Dorothy  ; 
and,  when  in  time  this  ardent  pleader  for  the 
rights  of  the  colonies  pleaded  as  warmly  for  the 
hand  of  this  gentle  girl,  he  gained  a  favorable 
answer  to  his  suit. 

There  is  a  tradition  in  the  family  that  Hancock- 
was  first  captivated  by  the  daintily  slippered  feet 
of  his  lady-love  as  she  stepped  out  of  church  one 
Sabbath  day.  which  looks  as  if  other  thoughts  had 
taken  foothold  in  Mr.  John  Hancock's  mind  than 
of  the  jrood  sermon  just  delivered. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

THE  PATRIOTS — HANCOCK,  COLONEL  OF  THE  CADETS — 
His  BENEVOLENCE — THE  "  TEA  PARTY  " — LAFAY 
ETTE  ON  THE  TORIES. 

Private  meetings  were  beginning  to  be  held  for 
public  action  in  17/2,  and  John  Adams,  Samuel 
Adams,  John  Hancock,  Josiah  Quincy,  Dr. 
Church  and  Dr.  Warren  were  the  leaders.  Jo 
siah  Quincy  was  the  son  of  Josiah  Quincy, 
brother  of  Edmund  Quincy,  an  ardent  believer 
in  and  supporter  of  American  liberty. 

"  These  men  were  exceedingly  vigilant  and  no 
ticed  every  infringement  of  natural  or  chartered 
rights  on  the  part  of  the  Government  and  its 
agents.  In  the  House  of  Representatives  they 
originated  almost  every  measure  for  the  public 
good,  and  the  people  esteemed  them  as  the  zeal 
ous  guardians  of  their  rights  and  privileges."1 
Xor  could  they  have  been  enrolled  in  Sidney 
Smith's  category  of  <4  Sheep  Walkers,"  who  never 
deviate  from  the  beaten  track,  and  "  start  from  a 
new  idea  as  they  would  from  guilt." 

How  the  men  of  brains  rallied  at  the  cry  of 
wrong  and  injustice  !  With  what  firmness  thev 


3*  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

kept  up  the  chorus  of  "  No  taxation  !"  toiling  day 
and  night  with  their  arraignment.  How  their 
names  stand  out  from  the  background  of  British 
oppression,  holding  the  distinction  of  the  fore 
most  advocates  of  liberty  !  They  were  not  vio 
lent,  but  went  moderately  and  guardedly,  well 
weighing  their  decisions,  which  were  afterward 
weighed  by  the  people,  who  balanced  each  propo 
sition  promulgated  by  the  patriots  for  their  bet 
terment. 

By  a  unanimous  vote  Hancock  was  now  elected 
colonel  to  command  the  Independent  Cadets  of 
the  Governor's  Company,  the  oldest  military  or 
ganization  next  to  the  Ancient  and  Honorable 
Artillery  Company.  As  the  officers  were  chosen 
by  the  company,  the  Governor  gave  the  commis 
sion,  not  liking  to  offend  a  hundred  gentlemen.2 

His  time  fully  occupied  with  public  duties,  yet 
John  Hancock  was  ever  ready  to  lend  an  ear  to 
a  tale  of  suffering,  and  was  most  liberal  out  of  his 
great  abundance.  Hundreds  and  hundreds  of 
families  received  their  daily  bread  from  his  pri 
vate  benevolence/5 

He  subscribed  one  thousand  pounds  toward 
the  erection  of  the  Brattle-Street  Church,  and  re 
served  for  himself  the  right  of  erecting  a  mahog 
any  pulpit  and  furniture,  a  mahogany  deacon's 
seat  and  communion  table,  and  seats  for  poor 
widows  and  others  unable  to  provide  for  them 
selves.* 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  39 

He  gave  the  bell,  and  it  was  rung  the  first  time 
on  October  28,  1774.  On  it  was  this  inscription  : 

"  I  to  the  Church  the  living  call, 
And  to  the  grave  I  summon  all."5 

This  church,  not  long  after,  was  used  by  the 
British  as  a  barracks. 

Dorothy  Quincy  noted,  with  deep-felt  satisfac 
tion,  that  every  measure  for  the  good  of  the  coun 
try  was  stamped  with  John  Hancock's  name. 

When  duties  had  been  levied  upon  the  import 
ation  of  foreign  merchandise  by  the  British  Gov 
ernment  Hancock,  with  other  citizens,  formed  an 
association  to  prohibit  the  importation  of  British 
goods  ;  an  example  followed  by  the  other  colo 
nies.  And  he  was  placed  at  the  head  of  it. 

"  Hancock  offered  one  of  his  vessels  free  of 
charge  to  re-ship  what  tea  was  stored  in  Boston."0 
Then  came  that  memorable  November  day  of 
1773  when  appeared  the  ships  tea-laden,  and  the 
excited  Bostonians  declared,  "  if  it  came  in  free 
of  duty,  or  if  not,  that  tea  should  not  be  landed." 

A  verse  from  the  rallying  song  of  the  tea  party 
at  the  Green  Dragon  reads  : 

"  Rally,  Mohawks  !    bring  out  your  axes, 
And  tell  King  George  we'll  pay  no  taxes 

On  his  foreign  tea  ; 
His  threats  are  vain,  and  vain  to  think 
To  force  our  girls  and  wives  to  drink 

His  vile  Bohea  ! 
Then  rally,  boys,  and  hasten  on 
To  meet  our  chiefs  at  the  Green  Dragon."7 


40  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

My  grandmother  has  related  the  story  of  a  tap 
on  the  door  and  an  order  given  that  no  one  must 
leave  the  house  before  nine  o'clock.  A  solemn 
and  mysterious  warning  to  the  relatives  of  Dor 
othy  Quincy  ! 

Months  later  an  ode  came  out  in  the  New 
Hampshire  Gazette,  beginning  with  this  verse  : 

"  What  discontents,   what  dire  events, 

From  trifling  things  proceed  ! 
A  little  Tea,  thrown  in  the  sea, 
Has  thousands  caused  to  bleed." 

Major  Thomas  Maxwell  tells  his  experience 
thus  :  "  In  I//3  1  went  with  my  team  to  Boston. 
1  loaded  at  John  Hancock's  warehouse,  and  was 
about  to  leave  town  when  Mr.  Hancock  requested 
me  to  drive  my  team  up  into  his  yard,  and  ordered 
his  servants  to  take  care  of  it,  and  requested  me 
to  be  on  Long  Wharf  at  2  o'clock  P.  M.,  and  in 
formed  me  what  was  to  be  done.  I  went  accord 
ingly,  joined  the  band  under  one  Captain  Hewes  ; 
we  mounted  the  ships  and  made  tea  in  a  trice. 
This  done  I  took  my  team  and  went  home,  as  an 
honest  man  should. "s 

Major  Maxwell's  war  spirit  carried  him  into 
the  Concord  fight,  and  to  Bunker  Hill,  but  this 
was  probably  his  first  and  last  appearance  as  a 
"  Mohawk.'' 

The  shades  of  night  were  gathering  when  these 
masqueraders  began  their  task,  and  it  was  near 
three  hours  before  it  was  completed.  Three  hun- 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  41 

dred  and  forty-two  chests  they  broke  open  and 
the  contents  scattered  into  the  water.  None  was 
allowed  to  be  purloined,  but  a  small  quantity  of 
it,  which  had  been  shaken  out  of  a  shoe,  may  be 
seen  in  a  vial  at  Memorial  Hall. 

The  public  mind  was  perturbed  over  the  course 
of  the  King  and  the  ministry,  and  there  were 
hours  of  the  greatest  solicitude  as  to  the  next 
move  in  England.  Men's  passions  were  all 
aflame,  while  the  course  of  the  rising  patriots  con 
tinued  to  excite  the  ire  of  the  Tories.  A  writer 
thus  gave  vent  to  the  feeling  concerning  the  com 
mittee  of  1774,  John  Hancock  being  one  of  its 
members  : 

"  This  is  the  foulest,  subtlest,  and  most  venom 
ous  serpent  ever  issued  from  the  egg  of  sedition. 
It  is  the  source  of  the  rebellion."9 

Allow  to  everyone  his  individual  opinion,  and 
spare  particularly  from  too  severe  criticism  and 
villification  those  who  work  to  redress  a  wrong. 
The  Tories  were  upholding  their  Government, 
the  patriots  their  rights  ;  and  a  man  can  endure 
scorn  and  contumely  when  his  conscience  sus 
tains  him. 

Lafayette  wrote  of  the  Tories  from  Camp,  De 
cember  30,  1777,  to  George  Washington  :  "When 
I  was  in  Europe  I  thought  that  here  every  man 
was  a  lover  of  liberty,  and  would  rather  die  free 
than  live  a  slave.  You  can  conceive  my  aston 
ishment  when  I  saw  that  Toryism  was  as  openly 
professed  as  Whiggism  itself/' 


CHAPTER  VII. 

ADAMS'  ENTRY  IN  His  DIARY — DOROTHY  QUINCY'S 
CHARACTERISTICS— HANCOCK'S  "  MASSACRE  ORA 
TION  " — REJOICINGS  OF  THE  QUINCYS — THE  PORT 
BILL— TROOPS  LANDED— ENMITY  OF  GOVERNOR 
GAGE— JOHN  HANCOCK'S  RISE— PRAISE  OF  THE 
PROMINENT  PATRIOTS— JOHN  ADAMS,  HANCOCK'S 
LAWYER — PROVISIONAL  CONGRESS. 

John  Adams  wrote  in  his  diary,  1772  :  "  Spent 
last  Sunday  eve  at  Dr.  Cooper's  with  Justice 
Quincy  and  Mr.  W.  C.  We  were  very  social, 
and  we  chatted  at  large  upon  Caesar,  Cromwell, 
etc."  Was  this  conversation  at  all  significant  of 
future  projects  for  America? 

John  Hancock,  who  allowed  no  time  for  idle 
ness,  made  leisure  also  to  drop  in  at  Justice 
Qumcy's,  responding  to  the  powerful  magnet 
that  attracted  him,  and  to  the  influence  he  volun 
tarily  bowed.  Unfortunately  he  has  left  no  diary 
record  of  the  topics  of  conversation,  but  is  it  not 
safe  to  assert  that  a  certain  Don  Cupid  dominated 
the  tone? 

Dorothy  Quincy  seems  to  have  had  the  "  pearl 
chain  of  all  virtues,"  and  John  Hancock  had  come 
under  the  spell  of  a  high-toned  woman,  refined, 
intelligent,  who  made  no  effort  to  swerve  him 


DOROTHY   QUINCY  4J 

from  duty  or  expose  him  to  censure  ;  but  was  an 
incentive  and  spur  to  higher  aims  and  action. 

A  woman's  influence,  if  for  good,  is  the  most 
potent  ruler  a  man  can  have  ;  but,  if  used  to  warp 
his  better  judgment,  she  stands  as  the  falsest  of 
friends  and  most  dangerous  of  enemies. 

The  bold  doctrines  of  Massachusetts,  which  at 
this  period  had  the  largest  population,  were 
looked  upon  favorably,  and  extended  to  other 
colonies.  General  Gage,  who  was  undergoing 
his  trials,  bursts  out  in  a  despairing  strain  : 

'  This  province,  which  is  the  most  openly  de 
fiant,  is  supported  and  abetted  by  others  beyond 
the  conception  of  most  people  and  foreseen  by 
none.  The  disease  was  believed  to  have  been 
confined  to  the  town  of  Boston,  from  whence  it 
might  have  been  eradicated  no  doubt  without  a 
great  deal  of  trouble,  and  it  might  have  been  the 
case  some  time  ago  ;  but  now  it  is  universal — 
there  is  no  knowing  where  to  apply  a  remedy."1 

Dorothy  Quincy's  lover  had  launched  into  the 
unknown  sea  of  rebellion  with  hardihood  and 
fearlessness.  He  knew  not  how  the  future  would 
develop,  but  his  inmost  soul  bore  the  stamp  that 
he  was  on  the  side  of  right. 

The  month  of  March,  1774,  Hancock  delivered 
the  anniversary  oration  on  the  "  Massacre,"  which 
had  taken  place  at  Boston  in  1770.  It  was  the 
custom  on  these  occasions  to  exhibit  the  portraits 
of  the  murderers  and  the  slaughtered  citizens  to 


44  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

public  view  ;2  a  most  successful  method  of  tem 
pering  the  blood  to  a  proper  heat  against  Britain. 

Samuel  Adams  describes  him  as  "  a  graceful, 
easy  speaker,  self-possessed  and  dignified  in  ac 
tion,  and  thoroughly  understood  by  an  audience 
of  his  native  townsmen."3 

John  Hancock,  without  shrinking  or  demur, 
on  this  occasion  calmly  faced  the  assemblage  be 
fore  him.  History  tells  us,  "  Though  the  streets 
were  full  of  British  soldiers,  and  some  collected 
to  hear  him,  he  denounced  the  conduct  of  the 
administration  in  its  various  oppressive  acts,  and 
especially  in  sending  an  armed  force  to  be  sta 
tioned  in  the  capital  in  time  of  peace."  He  was 
bold  and  eloquent,  exciting  the  astonishment 
alike  of  his  friends  and  foes."4 

John  Adams,  who  was  present,  spoke  of  it  as 
"  nn  elegant,  a  pathetic,  a  spirited  performance." 
"  A  vast  crowd  raining  eyes,  etc."  "  Many  of  the 
sentiments  came  with  great  propriety  from  him, 
his  invectives  particularly  against  a  preference  of 
riches  to  virtue  came  with  singular  'dignity  and 
grace."5 

These  few  extracts  are  from  the  speech  :"  I 
conjure  you  by  all  that  is  dear,  by  all  that  is  hon 
orable,  by  all  that  is  sacred,  not  only  that  you 
pray,  but  that  you  act  ;  that,  if  necessary,  you 
fight  and  even  die  for  the  prosperity  of  our  Jeru 
salem.  Break  in  sunder  with  noble  disdain  the 
bonds  with  which  the  Philistines  have  bound 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  45 

you."  ..."  Some  boast  of  being  friends  of 
government.  I  also  am  a  friend  to  government, 
to  a  righteous  government,  founded  upon  the 
principles  of  reason  and  justice  ;  but  I  glory  in 
avowing  my  eternal  enmity  to  tyranny."  He 
suggested  a  "  Congress  of  Deputies  from  the  sev 
eral  Houses  of  Assembly  on  the  continent  as  the 
most  effectual  method  of  establishing  a  union  for 
the  security  of  the  rights  and  liberties  "  of  the 
country. 

An  account  of  this  address  speaks  of  its  "  giv 
ing  great  offence  to  the  Executive,  and  more  es 
pecially  to  the  officers  of  the  standing  army.  In 
deed,  it  was  a  striking  act  of  intrepidity."6 

John  Adams  on  that  day  dined  with  neighbor 
Quincy,  and  says,  that  "  the  happiness  of  the  fam 
ily  where  I  dined,  upon  account  of  the  colonel's 
justly-applauded  oration,  was  complete.  The 
Justice  and  his  daughters  were  all  joyous." 

It  was  stated  that  Hancock  and  Samuel  Adams 
had  consulted  together  over  the  character  of  the 
matter  suitable  for  this  occasion,  which  gave  his 
maligners  an  opportunity  to  assert  that  Adams 
had  composed  the  speech,  while  others  gave  out 
that  it  was  Dr.  Cooper.  It  was  the  same  spirit 
of  detraction  that  assailed  George  Washington. 

John  Andrews,  in  a  letter  April  14,  1774,  writes 
of  the  oration,  "  It's  generally  allowed  to  be  a 
good  composition  (and  asserted  to  be  his  owti 
production),  both  spirited  and  nervous."8 


46  DOROTHY   QUINCY 

Hancock  had,  however,  much  encouragement 
and  commendation  extended  to  him.  Samuel 
Adams  wrote,  "Can  you  think  that,  while  you  are 
a  good  man,  that  all  will  speak  well  of.  you?"" 

A  song,  with  a  prediction  of  the  "  Triumphs  of 
the  American  Ensign,"  closes  with  this  allusion 
to  Hancock: 

"  Strong  knit  is  the  band  which  unites  the  best  land, 

No  demon  the  union  can  sever  ; 
Here's  a  glass  to  fair  Freedom  !    come  give  us  your 

hand  ; 
May  the  ORATOR  flourish  forever  !"10 

The  Port  bill,  which  took  effect  June  ist,  1774, 
was  the  seal  of  disaster  to  Boston.  "  The  city 
went  into  mourning  ;  the  colors  of  the  vessels 
were  put  at  half-mast,  the  ring  of  bells  at  Christ's 
Church  was  muffled  and  rung  a  solemn  peal  at 
intervals  from  morning  till  night."11  "  It  cut  off 
not  only  the  foreign  trade,  but  the  whole  of  its 
domestic  by  water.  .  .  .  This  closed  many 
of  the  stores  on  Long  Wharf."12  Laborers  stood 
idle,  the  harbor  was  deserted,  property  injured 
and  decaying  until  compassionate  towns  north 
and  south  sent  food  to  their  relief.  All  took  up 
the  cause  of  the  suffering  Bostonians.13 

The  aspect  of  affairs  was  still  more  belligerent 
when  troops  arrived  from  Halifax  to  enforce  the 
Port  bill.  Additional  ones  were  ordered  from 
Quebec,  New  York  and  New  Jersey.  This  mili 
tary  display  caused  continuous  charing  and  ran- 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  47 

cor.  The  stride  from  irritation  to  wrath  is  rapid 
if  the  provocation  is  not  removed  ;  and  when  the 
Bostonians  felt  the  insolent  redcoats  brush 
against  them  with  a  laugh,  or  epithet,  their  deep 
murmurings  rose  into  harsh,  wordy  warfare. 

Samuel  Adams,  John  Hancock  and  James  Otis 
waited  on  the  Governor  and  requested  him  to  call 
a  special  meeting  of  the  General  Assembly,  which 
he  refused.  In  the  face  of  this,  on  the  i/th  of 
June,  1774,  they  met,  sitting  with  closed  doors, 
and  declined  to  open  them  to  the  Governor's  sec 
retary,  who  had  been  sent  to  dissolve  the  court, 
giving  in  reply  that  the  House  was  occupied  with 
very  important  business,  and  when  that  was  fin 
ished  he  would  be  admitted.  The  secretary  was 
thus  forced  to  read  his  proclamation  from  the 
steps.14 

John  Hancock  was  now  to  experience  person 
ally  the  enmity  of  Governor  Gage.  In  August 
he  removed  him  from  command  of  the  Cadets 
without  assigning  a  reason.  The  Cadet  Corps, 
officers  and  members,  immediately  convened, 
voted  no  longer  to  meet  and  act  as  a  military  as 
sociation,  then  sent  their  standard  to  the  com- 
mander-in-chief. 

On  the  i8th  of  the  month  an  address  was  for 
warded  to  Colonel  Hancock,  signed  by  fifty-two 
members,  which  had  this  paragraph  :  "  At  a 
period  when  the  post  of  honor  is  a  private  station 
it  cannot  be  thought  strange  that  a  gentleman  of 


4«  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

your  distinguished  character  should  meet  with 
every  discouragement  from  those  in  power."15 

Hancock's  rise  on  the  wave  of  popularity,  we 
have  seen,  kindled  unpopularity  with  "  the  ad 
herents  of  the  crown,  whom  his  boldness  exas 
perated,  and  every  artifice  was  put  in  requisition 
to  injure  him."16  But  no  obstacle  had  checked 
John  Hancock's  career  ;  none  could  check  it. 
His  rise  was  higher  and  higher.  Assailed  by 
enemies,  tricked  by  seeming  friends,  persecuted 
by  the  British,  mocking  verses  hurled  at  him, 
open  criticism  and  covert  plots — <lid  any  of  it,  or 
did  it  all  combined,  arrest  his  progress  to  high 
office? 

The  verse-makers  continued  their  merry  jin 
gles,  and  there  was  published  in  the  Massachu 
setts  Spy  of  September,  1774  : 

"  Your  Colonel  H-n-k,  by  neglect 
Has  been  deficient  in  respect  ; 
As  he  my  Sovereign  toe  ne'er  kissed, 
'Twas  proper  he  should  be  dismissed  ; 
I  never  was,  and  never  will 
By  mortal  man  be  treated  ill  !" 

John  Hancock,  unlike  the  eminent  French  wri 
ter,  who  "  envied  beasts  their  ignorance  of  what 
was  said  of  them,"  bore  the  strictures  of  those  in 
and  out  of  power  unmoved,  maintaining  a  digni 
fied  silence. 

The  indefatigable  Massachusetts  patriots  con 
tinued  their  labors  under  impediment  and  dis 
couragement.  How  we  cherish  their  names  ! 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  49 

What  an  intrepid,  indomitable  body  composed 
the  Assembly,  united  in  one  great  common  cause 
"  against  the  oppressive  laws  of  the  Home  Gov 
ernment  !  " 

In  Tudor's  "  Life  of  James  Otis,"  we  find  writ 
ten  of  them,  "  that  Samuel  Adams  and  John  Han 
cock  were  chosen  the  colleagues  of  James  Otis 
and  Thomas  Gushing,  and  these  four  gentlemen, 
who  for  several  years  composed  the  delegation  of 
the  capital,  exercised  a  wide  influence  in  the  af 
fairs  of  the  province  ;  and  are  inseparably  con 
nected  with  all  the  events  that  led  to  the  inde 
pendence  of  the  United  States."17 

There  is  further  mention  of  these  men,  collect 
ively,  in  the  "  Life  of  General  Warren."  "  There 
were  James  Otis,  Samuel  Adams,  John  Hancock 
and  John  Adams,  and  others  of  large  mental  cal 
ibre,  who  were  with  him  heart  and  soul.  They 
formed  a  constellation  of  eloquence,  research  and 
bravery  seldom  seen,  in  such  united  lustre,  in  the 
revolutions  of  the  world's  history."18 

John  Adams  wrote,  "  Samuel  Adams,  John 
Hancock  and  James  Otis  were  the  three  most 
essential  characters,  and  Great  Britain  knew  it, 
though  America  does  not.  Great,  and  important, 
and  excellent  characters,  aroused  and  excited  by 
these,  arose  in  Pennsylvania,  Virginia,  New  York 
and  South  Carolina,  and  in  all  the  other  states  ; 
but  these  three  were  the  first  movers — the  most 
constant,  steady,  persevering  springs  and  agents, 


50  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

and  most  disinterested  sufferers,  and  firmest  pil 
lars  of  the  whole  Revolution."19 

The  months  rolled  along  through  a  pathway  of 
alarms  ;  men's  tempers  sharpened,  nerves  were 
strung  to  the  highest  tension,  with  excitement  at 
the  gravest  stage  ;  and  there  were  many  sleepless 
nights  and  anxious  days  to  those  watchers  over 
their  country's  security. 

Hancock's  independence  of  the  Government 
brought  out  several  suits  against  him,  and  John 
Adams,  who  was  his  lawyer,  wrote  :  "  I  was  thor 
oughly  weary  and  disgusted  with  the  court,  the 
officers  of  the  crown,  the  cause,  and  even  with 
the  tyrannical  bell  that  dangled  me  out  of  my 
house  every  morning."20 

October  5,  1774,  the  members  of  the  Assembly 
resolved  themselves  into  a  provincial  congress 
and  adjourned  from  Salem  to  Concord.  "  Han 
cock  was  unanimously  elected  president  from 
among  the  dignified  representatives  there  assem 
bled." 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

DOROTHY  QUINCY'S  LOVER — ROYALIST  HAND-BILL — 
BRITISH  SOLDIERS  TAR  AND  FEATHER — VOLTAIRE 
ON  THE  ENGLISH — ATTACK  ON  HANCOCK'S  PREM 
ISES — WOMEN'S  TEA  PETITION. 

John  Hancock  loved  the  refined,  subtle  influ 
ence  of  Dorothy  Quincy's  charms — to  listen  to  a 
voice  the  aeolian  accompaniment  of  engaging- 
converse;  to  look  into  the  great  eyes  full  of  ten 
derness  and  approval ;  and  when  absent,  amid  eu- 
logium  or  carping,  he  carried  enshrined  in  his 
breast  a  talisman — the  image  of  the  fair  Dorothy. 

What  in  John  Hancock  had  attracted  Dorothy 
Quincy — that  he  should  have  been  installed  as  the 
arbiter  of  her  destiny?  To  her  eye  he  appealed 
with  his  distinguished  presence,  scrupulous 
toilets  ;  his  inborn  courtesy.  To  her  heart  with 
his  sympathy  for  the  suffering,  his  devotion  to 
those  he  loved  ;  his  generosity  to  friends  and  in 
feriors.  To  her  ambition  with  his  indomitable 
patriotism,  his  assured  popularity,  his  rapid  ad 
vancement.  And,  if  crowds  were  swayed  by  his 
magnetism,  what  marvel  that  it  touched  and  cap 
tivated  Dorothy  Quincy  ! 


52  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

This  was  the  suitor  for  whom  she  resigned  her 
belleship,  and  it  seems  as  if  the  training  of  that 
judicious  father  had  been  to  fit  her  for  the  exalted 
station  she  afterwards  held  as  Mrs.  Hancock. 

John  Adams,  writing  on  this  subject,  says  : 
"  His  choice  was  very  natural,  a  grand-daughter 
of  the  great  patron  and  most  reverend  friend  of 
his  father.  Beauty,  politeness,  and  every  domes 
tic  virtue,  justified  his  predilection/'1 

There  was  much  to  alarm  Dorothy  Quincy  in 
the  stand  that  her  lover  had  taken  ;  but  she  ap 
preciated  that  a  man  is  entitled  to  credit  for  his 
patriotic  services — the  bold  front  he  shows  under 
trying  circumstances  ;  his  perseverance  in  over 
coming  obstacles,  and  she  would  not  have  had 
him  recede  one  step  even  in  the  face  of  the  British 
sword  suspended  over  his  lii'e.  For  the  soldiers 
of  the  crown  had  lost  no  time  in  distributing  a 
royalist  hand-bill  with  this  heading,  "  To  the  Sol 
diers  of  His  Majesty's  Troop  in  Boston."  It  con 
tained  a  list  of  the  authors  of  the  rebellion,  Sam 
uel  Adams,  John  Hancock,  Josiah  Quincy  being 
among  those  enumerated,  and  announcing  that 
it  was  probable  the  King's  standard  would  soon 
be  erected. 

It  continued  :  "  The  friends  of  our  King  and 
country  and  of  America  hope,  and  expect  it  from 
you  soldiers  the  instant  rebellion  happens,  that 
you  will  put  the  above  persons  immediately  to  the 
sword,  destroy  their  houses  and  plunder  their  ef- 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  53 

fects.  It  is  just  they  should  be  the  first  victims 
to  the  mischiefs  they  have  brought  upon  us."2 

In  January,  1775,  it  looked  as  if  the  patriots 
were  still  good  subjects,  sending  a  "  Petition  of 
the  Continental  Congress  to  the  King,  Most  Ex 
cellent  Majesty,"  wherein  they  asked  "  but  for 
peace,  liberty  and  safety,"  and  that  "  your  royal 
authority  over  us,  and  our  connection  with  Great 
Britain,  we  shall  always  carefully  and  zealously 
endeavor  to  support  and  maintain."3 

This  brought  no  terms  to  calm  the  disquieted 
mind  and  temper  of  colonial  subjects.  On  the 
contrary  the  oppressions  redoubled,  and  the  per 
sistent  roughness  of  the  troops  continued  un 
checked. 

March  2oth  an  inhabitant  of  Billerica,  Mass., 
was  tarred  and  feathered  by  a  party  of  His  Majes 
ty's  Forty-seventh  Regiment.  The  selectmen 
sent  a  remonstrance  to  His  Excellency,  Gage,  in 
which  they  said  :  "  Lieutenant-Colonel  Nesbitt 
is  an  officer  under  Your  Excellency's  command. 
Of  you,  therefore,  ivc  demand  satisfaction  for  the 
insult  committed  by  him.  We  beg,  Your  Excel 
lency,  that  the  breach  now  too  wide  between 
Great  Britain  and  this  province  may  not,  by  such 
brutality  of  the  troops,  still  be  increased.  .  .  . 
If  it  continues  we  shall  hereafter  use  a  different 
style  from  that  of  petition  and  complaint." 

This  threat  lay  treasured  in  the  storehouse  of 
memory. 


54  DOROTHY   QUINCY 

Watchful  friends  wrote  anxiously  from  Lon 
don,  February  10,  1775  :  "  There  is  gone  down 
to  Sherness  seventy- eight  thousand  guns  and  bay 
onets  to  be  sent  to  America  to  put  into  the  hands 
of  the  negroes,  the  Roman  Catholics  and  the 
Canadians,  and  all  the  wicked  means  on  earth 
used  to  subdue  the  colonies.  I  don't  write  this 
to  alarm  you,  but  you  must  not  any  longer  be  de 
ceived.  Orders  have  now  gone  out  to  take  up 
Messrs.  Hancock,  Adams,  Williams,  Otis  and  six 
of  the  head  men  in  Boston.  I  have  now  a  copy 
of  the  proceedings  before  me.  My  heart  aches 
for  Mr.  Hancock.  Send  off  expresses  imme 
diately  that  they  intend  to  seize  his  estate  and 
have  his  fine  house  for  General "4 

How  another  heart,  sensitive  and  gentle,  must 
have  ached  at  this  announcement,  for  it  sounded 
like  a  blast  of  war  ;  and  the  Bostonians  were  to 
be  credited  with  provoking  it. 

Voltaire,  who  had  compared  the  English  to 
their  own  beer — "  froth  at  top,  dregs  at  bottom 
and  the  middle  excellent " — was  a  firm  believer 
in  great  America's  future. 

The  following  is  an  extract  from  a  letter  of  his 
on  taxes  to  the  late  Earl  of  Chesterfield,  said  to 
have  been  written  about  this  time  :  "  In  the  midst 
of  your  nation's  folly  and  blindness  I  can  see  a 
new  world  opening  that  will  prove  an  asylum  for 
all  your  honest,  industrious  people  ;  and  I  think 
a  few  years  will  discover  the  island  of  Britain  to 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  55 

have  for  its  inhabitants  only  two  sorts  of  animals 
—tyrants  and  slaves."5 

The  British  soldiery  became  so  incensed 
against  Hancock  that  they  resorted  to  violence, 
and  March  I5th  their  officers  attacked  his  house 
in  Boston,  broke  the  windows  and  were  very  abu 
sive.  The  following  notice  in  the  Pennsylvania 
Evening  Post  gives  the  details  : 

"They  hacked  the  fence  also  of  Colonel  Han 
cock's  elegant  seat,  and  on  the  igth  the  inferior 
officers  and  privates  entered  his  inclosures  and 
refused  to  retire  after  his  requesting  them,  telling 
him  his  house,  stables,  etc.,  would  soon  be  theirs  ; 
that  they  would  do  as  they  pleased.     On  his  ap 
plication  to  the  General  he  immediately  sent  one 
of  his  aides-de-camp  to  the  officer  of  the  guard  at 
the  bottom  of  the  Common  to  seize  any  officer 
or  private  who  should  molest  Colonel  Hancock." 
And  General  Gage  ordered  the  fences  repaired. 
Now  came  an  edict,  issued  by  the  legislators, 
which  the  women  of  the  country  sharply  resented. 
In  March  Congress  recommended  the  disuse 
of  all  East  India  teas.     "  The  committee  request 
that  their  constituents,  in  their  several  families, 
will  adhere  to  this  resolution,  and  however  diffi 
cult  the  disuse  of  any  article  which  custom  has 
rendered  familiar,  to  many  almost  necessary,  yet 
they  are  induced  to  hope  the  ladies  will  cheerfully 
acquiesce  in  their  self-denial,  and  thereby  evince 


56  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

to  the  world  a  love  to  their  friends,  posterity  and 
country." 

This  drew  forth  the  following  appeal  : 

"  Petition  of  divers  Old  Women  of  the  city  of 
Philadelphia,  Humbly  sheweth  That  your  petition 
ers,  as  well  spinsters  as  married,  having  been  long 
accustomed  to  the  drinking  of  Tea,  fear  it  will  be 
utterly  impossible  for  them  to  exhibit  so  much 
Patriotism  as  wholly  to  disuse  it.  Your  Petition 
ers  beg  leave  to  observe  that,  having  already  done 
all  possible  injury  to  their  nerves  and  health  with 
this  delectable  herb,  they  shall  think  it  extremely 
hard  not  to  enjoy  it  for  the  remainder  of  their 
lives.  Your  Petitioners  would  further  represent 
that  coffee  and  chocolate,  or  any  other  substitute 
hitherto  proposed,  they  humbly  apprehend,  from 
their  heaviness,  must  destroy  that  brilliancy  of 
fancy  and  fluency  of  expression  usually  found  at 
Tea-tables  when  we  are  handling  the  conduct  or 
character  of  our  absent  acquaintances.  Your  Pe 
titioners  are  also  informed  there  are  several  old 
women  of  the  oilier  sex  laboring  under  the  like 
difficulties,  who  apprehend  the  above  restriction 
will  be  wholly  insupportable,  and  that  it  is  a  sacri 
fice  infinitely  too  great  to  be  made  to  save  the 
Lives,  Liberties  and  Privileges  of  any  country- 
whatever,  etc.  A  petition  to  be  presented  to  the 
Assembly  now  sitting,  or  next  Congress  or  Com 
mittee."8 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  5? 

These  women  felt  that  they  could  not  give  up 
their  Bohea  to  aid  the  cause  ;  but  a  woman  of 
Rhode  Island,  when  the  hour  came,  sent  her  ten 
sons  out  to  fight  for  their  country,  her  bleeding- 
heart  concealed  under  words  of  encouragement. 
The  "  great  Whig  ladies "  continued  their  tea- 
drinking,  exultant  at  concealing  it  by  substitut 
ing  a  "  coffee-pot  on  their  tables — and  water- 
pot." 


CHAPTER  IX. 

CONGRESS  AT  CONCORD  ADJOURNS— DOROTHY  QUINCY 
LEAVES  FOR  LEXINGTON— LETTER  OF  HELENE  BAY 
ARD—JOHN  HANCOCK  AND  SAMUEL  ADAMS  IN 
DANGER. 

In  April,  1775,  the  Provincial  Congress,  at 
Concord,  Mass.,  adjourned  after  it  had  assumed 
and  exercised  all  legislative  power.  Gage  pro 
nounced,  by  proclamation,  "  that  it  was  an  unlaw 
ful  assembly,  tending  utterly  to  subvert  govern 
ment  and  to  lead  directly  to  sedition,  treason  and 
rebellion."1 

The  outlook  was  ominous  and  threatening. 

John  Hancock,  his  heart-strings  torn  by  two 
strong,  conflicting  sensations — love  for  his  coun 
try  and  love  for  his  fiancee,  whose  situation  he 
thought  perilous— was  finally  inspired  to  seek  the 
interposition  of  his  Aunt  Hancock,  that  the  sepa 
ration  enforced  by  duty  should  be  terminated. 

Boston  was  in  that  disturbed,  unsettled  condi 
tion  that  Judge  Quincy,  who  had  been  exercising 
constant  surveillance  over  his  affairs,  was  pre 
pared  to  leave  for  Lancaster  on  the  shortest  no 
tice.  Apprehension  and  disorganization  reigned 
in  most  households,  and  many  families  had  moved 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  59 

their  effects  out  of  the  city.  There  was  no  more 
"  stepping  over  the  way  to  take  a  pipe "  with 
Justice  Quincy  for  Mr.  John  Adams.  Those  so 
cial  talks  had  ended. 

Mrs.  Lydia  Hancock  acted  at  once,  and,  like  a 
guardian  angel,  proposed  to  Judge  Quincy  to 
take  charge  of  his  daughter  Dorothy.  Persuaded 
by  her  argument  he  gave  his  consent,  and  soon 
after  there  rolled  up  to  the  door  the  Hancock 
stately  coach. 

Dorothy,  with  a  girl's  light-heartedness,  bade 
a  fond  good-bye  to  her  father  with  no  thought 
of  what  an  eventful  separation  this  would  prove. 
Regardless  of  toilet  she  gathered  but  a  few 
things  necessary  for  the  short,  hurried  trip,  leav 
ing  the  fine  clothes,  which  were  collected  after  her 
departure  and  forwarded  to  her — a  strange,  un- 
feminine  oversight. 

Aunt  Lydia  and  Dorothy  arrived  in  safety  at 
the  old  Hancock  homestead,  Lexington,  Mass., 
the  residence  of  the  Rev.  Jonas  Clark,  who  was 
a  relative  as  well  as  successor  in  the  church  of 
the  Rev.  John  Hancock.  Here  they  received  a 
warm  welcome,  and  felt  in  comparative  security, 
though  rumors  had  been  rife  that  Gage  intended 
to  seize  Adams  and  Hancock.  Gage  had  written 
in  January  to  Lord  Dartmouth  of  the  necessity 
to  secure  these  leaders,  and  it  was  said  the  orders 
came  in  February. 


60  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

Dorothy  Quincy's  cousin,  Helena  Bayard,  who 
had  remained  in  Boston,  sent  lively  records  of 
what  was  passing  to  the  absent  one.  In  a  letter 
dated  April  14,  1775,  she  writes  : 

"  Your  sudden  departure  gave  me  great  uneasiness, 
and,  when  I  saw  the  furniture  carried  from  the  house 
and  family  leaving  it,  it  appeared  to  me  as  though  you 
were  all  dead.  It  is  an  old  saying,  but  a  very  true  one — 
we  don't  know  the  love  we  have  for  our  friends  till  we 
are  deprived  of  them.  Believe  me,  the  tears  fall  while  I 
am  writing  you.  I  cannot  allow  myself  to  think  the 
family  is  broken  up — gone,  yet  we  must  know  it  is  for 
the  best.  I  have  taken  my  leave  of  Queen  street,  as 
what  I  hold  dear  to  me  is  gone." 

Mrs.  Bayard  had  made  a  visit  to  Dorothy's 
"  Sister  Ouincy,"  on  her  return  to  the  house 
where  she  boarded  finds  the  parlor  full,  so  seats 
herself  in  the  only  vacant  chair,  and  is  asked  if 
she  had  heard  the  news.  She  writes  : 

"  I  replied  I  had  not.  I  was  then  told  Linsee  was 
coming  and  ten  thousand  troops,  which  was  glorious 
news  for  the  Congress.  Mr.  Hancock  was  next  brought 
upon  the  carpet,  and,  as  the  company  did  not  suspect 
I  had  the  least  acquaintance  with  Mr.  Hancock,  I  can't 
think  they  meant  to  affront  me. 

'  However,  as  Mr.  Hancock  has  an  elegant  house, 
and  well  situated,  and  this  always  will  be  a  garrison 
town,  it  will  do  exceedingly  well  for  a  fort.'  .  .  .  '  I 
wonder  how  Miss  will  stand  affected.  I  think  he  de 
fers  marrying  till  he  returns  from  England.'  At  this 
speech  I  saw  a  wink  given,  and  all  was  hush — myself 
as  hush  as  the  grave  for  reasons.  '  Mr.  Hancock  has 
a  number  of  horses.  Perhaps  he  would  be  glad  to  dis 
pose  of  them,  as  the  officers  are  buying  up  the  best 
horses  in  the  town.'  '  Mrs.  Bayard,  don't  look  so  dull  ! 
You  will  be  taken  the  greatest  care  of.'  Thought  I — 
if  you  knew  my  heart  you  would  have  the  most  reason 
to  look  dull.  However,  a  little  time  will  decide  that. 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  6i 

"  I  am,  you  will  say,  wicked  ;  but  I  wish  the  small 
pox  would  spread. 

"  Dolly,  I  could  swell  my  letter  into  a  balloon  ;  but, 
least  I  should  tire  you,  I  will  beg  my  sincere  regards 
to  Mr.  Hancock,  and  beg  the  favor  of  a  line  from  dear 
Dolly.  Your  affectionate  Coz., 

•'HELENA  BAYARD."2 

This  conveys  an  idea  of  the  state  of  feeling  in 
Boston,  and  the  unbounded  confidence  of  the 
English  in  their  ultimate  success.  Colonel  Grant 
had  declared  in  the  House  of  Commons,  February 
2,  1775,  "  that  he  had  served  in  America,  and 
knew  the  Americans  well  ;  was  certain  they 
would  never  fight — they  would  never  dare  to  face 
an  English  army  !" 

Samuel  Adams,  Hancock's  friend  and  fellow- 
worker,  was  also  domiciled  at  the  Rev.  Joan 
Clark's.  It  was  circulated  that  the  British  in 
tended  to  destroy  large  quantities  of  stores  at 
Concord,  Mass.,  but  it  was  universally  believed 
that  Gage  also  intended  to  arrest  both  Adams  and 
Hancock. 

John  Adams,  writing  on  this  subject,  says  : 
"  Blunder-heads  as  were  the  British  ministry, 
they  had  sagacity  enough  to  discriminate  from 
all  others,  for  inexorable  vengeance,  the  two  men 
most  to  be  dreaded  by  them — Samuel  Adams  and 
John  Hancock.  Had  not  James  Otis  been  dead, 
or  worse  than  dead,*  his  name  would  have  been  at 
the  head  of  the  triumvirate."3 


*Otis'  mind  was  affected. 


62  DOROTHY   QU1NCY 

If  the  military  could  secure  the  stores  at  Con 
cord,  and  capture  the  two  leaders,  what  a  victory 
for  them  to  thus  stop  the  rebellion  in  its  incip- 
iency  ! 

Adams,  with  his  record,  and  Hancock,  the  un 
tiring  champion  and  worker,  would  have  been 
important  captures  for  King  George's  troops. 
Hancock,  who  had  attacked  the  Stamp  Act,  the 
port  blockade,  the  tea  tax  and  the  massacre  ! 
What  a  cry  it  would  have  roused  from  his  large 
following  !  And  how  had  he  won  them?  By  no 
promises  of  office,  nor  of  power,  nor  of  emolu 
ments — but  by  his  honesty  of  purpose  and  con 
tinued  efforts  to  lighten  their  hardships.  The 
man  who  is  conscientious,  and  sincerely  believes 
and  feels  what  he  advocates,  usually  carries  con 
viction  to  his  hearers. 


CHAPTER  X. 

PAUL  REVERE'S  MIDNIGHT  RIDE  —  THE  LEXINGTON 
FIGHT — LETTER  OF  AN  ENGLISH  SOLDIER — DOR 
OTHY  QUINCY  TELLS  OF  THE  WOUNDED — HANCOCK 
AND  ADAMS  WITHDRAW  TO  SAFETY — THE  LOVERS 
QUARREL. 

The  little  village  of  Lexington,  resting  peace 
fully  far  from  all  city  turmoil,  was  soon  to  re 
sound  with  the  first  tocsin  of  war,  the  roll  of  the 
drum  and  the  rattle  of  musketry.  It  was  to  be 
the  inauguration  of  the  Revolution.  No  illusions 
— but  the  stern  realities  of  combat  were  to  be 
faced. 

Elbridge  Gerry  had  early  sent  off  an  express 
to  John  Hancock  to  warn  him  of  his  danger. 
Gerry  writes  : 

"  Mr.  Hancock's  answer  bears  mark  of  the 
haste  with  which  it  was  written,  while  it  discovers 
that  habitual  politeness  on  the  part  of  the  writer 
which  neither  haste  nor  danger  could  impair."1 

This  first  alarm  subsided.  But  on  the  iSth  of 
April  General  Gage  ordered  a  force  to  march  on 
Concord.  Dr.  Warren  despatched  Paul  Revere 
to  awaken  the  country. 

In  hot  haste  dashed  the  unwearied  steed,  stirred 
to  frenzy  by  spur  and  whip,  stimulated  by  a  con- 


64  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

tinuous  shout  from  its  intrepid  rider-— rousing 
every  hamlet,  thrilling  with  terror  the  hearts  of 
timid  women  and  children,  but  firing  the  war 
spirit  of  the  men  with  his  cry — "  The  regulars  are 
coming  !" 

On  clattered  horse  and  rider,  scattering  stones 
and  dirt  as  the  hoofs  tore  into  the  ground,  cover 
ing  the  flanks  of  his  steed  with  foam,  until  they 
brought  up,  near  midnight,  at  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Clark's,  and  "  found  the  house  guarded  by  eight 
men,  under  Sergeant  Munro,  who  cautioned  him 
not  to  make  a  noise." 

"  Noise  !"  said  Revere.  "  You'll  have  noise 
enough  before  long.  The  regulars  are  coming 
out  !" 

Hancock  hearing  Revere's  voice  and,  recog 
nizing  it,  opened  a  window  and  said,  "  Courier 
Revere,  we  are  not  afraid  of  you  !" 

Revere  replied  with  his  startling  news. 
"  Ring  the  bell  !"  exclaimed  Hancock. 
The  bell  began  its  peal,  and  rang  all  night. 
Before  daylight  one  hundred  and  fifty  men  had 
mustered  for  defense.     Confident  in  the  fitness 
of  resistance,  it  lent  mettle  to  their  nerve  and 
strength  to  their  arms. 

Hancock  cleaned  his  gun  and  sword,  put  his 
accoutrements  in  order,  determined  to  go  out 
and  fight  with  the  men  assembling,  who  were  in 
most  miserable  order,  but  with  hearts  full  of  reso 
lution  and  eager  for  the  fray. 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  65 

Adams  clapped  Hancock  on  the  shoulder  and 
said  to  him,  "  That  is  not  our  business  ;  we  be 
long  to  the  cabinet." 

But  it  was  only  by  the  most  convincing  pleas 
that  he  was  persuaded  to  abandon  his  design  ; 
for  the  security  of  both  Adams  and  Hancock  was 
of  essential  importance  to  the  interests  of  the  col 
ony  and  to  the  great  cause  of  freedom. 

An  English  officer,  forerunner  of  the  army,  had 
been  inquiring  for  Clark's,  which  confirmed  the 
rumor  that  they  were  seeking  the  patriots.2 

After  Revere  had  left  Clark's  he  and  two 
others  were  captured  by  some  British  officers.  He 
replied  evasively  to  their  questions  as  to  where 
Adams  and  Hancock  were  located,  and  at  last 
said  firmly,  "  Gentlemen,  you  have  missed  your 
aim  ;"  and,  hearing  a  distant  bell,  continued, 
"  The  bell's  ringing — the  town's  alarmed.  You 
are  all  dead  men  !"  This  roused  the  fears  of  the 
officers,  who  retained  their  prisoners  until  about 
one  hundred  rods  of  the  meeting-house,  when 
they  took  possession  of  Revere's  horse,  and,  cut 
ting  the  girths  of  the  saddles  and  bridles  of  the 
others,  rode  off  at  full  speed  toward  Boston  to 
meet  their  advancing  comrades. 

Revere  returned  to  Clark's  and  reported  his 
adventure.  Hancock  and  Adams,  at  daylight, 
moved  by  the  earnest  remonstrance  of  their 
friends,  were  induced  to  withdraw  to  a  thickly- 
wooded  hill,  in  order  to  be  near  the  earliest  intel- 


66  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

ligence.  Finally  it  was  deemed  more  expedient 
that  they  should  retire  to  the  distant  house  of  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Marrett,  in  Burlington,  now  Woburn. 
Mrs.  Hancock  and  Dorothy  were  allowed  to  re 
main,  as  it  was  considered  perfectly  safe.  Thus 
it  happened  that  they  were  in  the  opening  combat 
of  the  Revolution. 

Seven  hundred  British  soldiers  arrived  at  Lex 
ington,  and  the  officers  summarily  commanded 
the  motley  group  opposing  them  to  lay  down 
their  arms  and  to  disperse. 

"  Not  a  man  obeyed,"  says  the  historian.  "  Nor 
did  they  at  the  final  order,  "Damn  you,  disperse!" 

Then  was  poured  into  the  minute-men  a  fatal 
volley  from  valiant  British  regulars. 

In  an  intercepted  letter  of  one  of  these  English 
soldiers,  dated  April  28,  1775,  he  writes  : 

"  We  were  fired  on  by  country  people,  who  are 
not   brought   up    in   our   military   way. 
The  people  are  very  numerous,  and  full  as  bad 
as  the  Indians  for  scalping  and  cutting  the  dead 
men's  cars  and  noses  off."3 

Mrs.  Lydia  Hancock,  who  had  descended  to 
the  door,  was  gazing  around  to  learn  news  of  the 
hostilities  when  a  British  bullet  whizzed  by  her 
head  and  struck  the  barn. 

"  What  is  that?"  she  exclaimed. 

They  told  her,  giving  a  warning  to  take  care  of 
herself. 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  67 

Dorothy,  who,  with  a  woman's  curiosity,  had 
stretched  her  pretty  head  out  of  the  window,  was 
startled  at  the  first  results  of  the  conflict,  and,  in 
her  narration  of  it,  said  : 

"  Two  men  were  being  brought  into  the  house. 
One,  whose  head  had  been  grazed  by  a  ball,  in 
sisted  that  he  was  dead  ;  but  the  other,  who  was 
shot  in  the  arm,  behaved  better." 

After  the  troops  had  passed  on  toward  Con 
cord  Mrs.  Hancock  and  Dorothy  received  a  let 
ter  from  Hancock  stating  where  he  and  Adams 
were  domiciled,  advising  them  to  leave  in  the  car 
riage  and  bring  the  fine  salmon  that  was  to  have 
been  served  at  dinner. 

Without  delay  they  followed  these  directions, 
and  congratulated  themselves  when  again  united 
in  safety.  The  salmon  was  cooked,  but  there 
was  only  time  to  feast  the  eye  and  not  the  palate, 
when  a  man  rushed  wildly  in,  having  left  his  wife 
and  family  at  home,  exclaiming  : 

"  The  British  are  coming  !  The  British  are 
coming  !  My  wife's  in  etarnity  now." 

As  soon  as  the  alarm  from  this  electrifying  an 
nouncement  had  subsided  Mr.  Marrett  piloted 
Hancock  and  Adams,  by  a  cartway,  to  Amos 
Wyman's  house,  in  Billerica,  where  they  ate  with 
a  relish  their  dinner  of  cold  salt  pork  and  pota 
toes  from  a  wooden  tray.4 

Dorothy  Quincy  and  her  lover,  before  their 
separation,  had  a  lively  skirmish  of  words.  It  is 


08  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

a  natural  conclusion  that  the  nerves  of  this  young 
lady  had  received  a  severe  shock,  and  were  much 
unstrung  by  the  unforeseen  and  bewildering 
events  participated  in,  for  she  declared  emphatic 
ally  that,  having  left  her  father  in  Boston,  she  in 
tended  to  return  to  him  the  next  day. 

Imagine  Mr.  John  Hancock's  state  of  mind  at 
this  decision — with  the  roads  still  prowled  by 
British  "red-coats?" 

"  No,  madam/'  said  Hancock,  "  you  shall  not 
return  as  long  as  there  is  a  British  bayonet  left 
in  Boston  !"5 

It  was  the  fair  Dorothy's  turn  to  be  astounded 
at  this  premature  display  of  authority  on  the  part 
of  her  lover,  though  actuated  by  the  tenderest  and 
best  of  motives. 

With  the  spirit  of  a  true  woman  she  replied  : 

"  Recollect,  Mr.  Hancock,  I  am  not  under  your 
authority  yet.  I  shall  go  to  my  father's  tomor 
row  !" 

When  relating  it,  years  later,  she  frankly  ac 
knowledged  that  this  mandate  from  Hancock 
momentarily  produced  a  revulsion  of  feeling. 

But  Aunt  Lydia  intervened,  and,  with  gentle 
conciliation,  smoothed  the  temporary  friction  and 
ruffled  feelings,  restoring  the  harmony  of  peace. 
Yet  it  was  many,  many  months  before  Dorothy 
Ouincy  returned  to  Boston. 

A  woman's  mind  and  a  woman's  heart,  with 
their  mobile  vibrations,  have  at  all  times  been 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  69 

enigmas  to  solve.  But  the  strong  under-current 
of  Dorothy  Quincy's  character  is  betrayed  when, 
led  by  affection  and  patriotism,  she  followed  her 
lover  to  Mr.  Marrett's  and  was  willing  to  stake 
her  fate  with  the  man  whom  Great  Britain  was 
seeking  to  hang. 

The  rancor  entertained  toward  the  two  patriots 
is  summed  up  in  the  Tory  ballad  : 


"  As  for  their  King,  that  John  Hancock, 

And  Adams,  if  they're  taken; 
Their  heads  for  signs  shall  hang  up  high 
Upon  the  hill  called  Beacon  !" 


CHAPTER  XL 

MINUTE  MEN— BOSTON  A  CAMP— GAGE'S  PROCLAMA 
TION — How  IT  WAS  RECEIVED  —  DELEGATES  EN 
ROUTE  TO  PHILADELPHIA — HANCOCK  AND  ADAMS 
MEET  THE  GOVERNOR  AND  COUNCIL  OF  CONNECTI 
CUT—THE  QUINCYS  SCATTERED. 

After  the  "  Lexington-Concord "  attack  the 
"  minute-men  "  were  regularly  organized  in  every 
town,1  and  stood  ready  at  the  first  summons  to 
defend  their  country.  Freedom  planted  on  their 
banner  and  implanted  in  their  hearts — freedom 
from  wrong  and  injustice — the  valiant  "  minute- 
men  !" 

There  were  then  no  paid  substitutes  nor  regu 
lar  soldiers  supported  by  government,  and  enjoy 
ing  hours  of  ease  and  leisure  ;  but  in  the  ranks 
stood,  as  during  the  Civil  War  of  1861  and  the 
Spanish  War  of  1898,  some  of  the  best  blood  of 
the  country. 

These  men  left  the  land  untilled  and  their 
various  avocations  in  order  to  defend  their  fire 
sides  and  the  rights  they  claimed.  They  parted 
from  wife,  mother  and  children  ;  for  did  it  not 
mean  the  safety  of  those  dear  ones?  They  rushed, 
with  old  guns,  undaunted,  undisciplined,  into 
danger  to  meet  soldiers  brought  up  in  the  tactics 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  71 

of  war,  well  drilled,  well  armed,  with  experienced 
officers. 

Has  enough  credit  been  given  to  the  unselfish, 
heroic  "  minute-men?"  What  to  them  was  the 
want  of  artillery — the  want  of  a  treasury  !  Their 
souls  were  in  the  cause  to  resist  all  encroachments 
and,  with  stout  courage,  to  endure  whatever 
might  befall  them. 

This  indomitable  spirit  of  the  colonists  was 
predicted,  as  is  seen  from  an  anecdote  in  the 
Pennsylvania  Gazette  of  1775: 

"  In  London,  last  Tuesday,  some  unlucky  but 
genteel  youths  went  to  one  of  the  temporary 
cook-shops  in  Covent  Garden,  and  one  of  them 
said  to  his  companion,  "  I'll  show  you  how  the 
Americans  intend  to  serve  BOSTON.  You 
must  suppose  that  pan  over  the  charcoal  fire  to 
be  the  town,  and  the  SAUSAGES  in  it  to  be  GEN 
ERAL  GAGE  and  the  KING'S  TROOPS  ;  and  then 
(says  he)  they  will  be  served  thus  :  When  he 
threw  a  paper,  with  some  gunpowder  in  it,  under 
the  pan,  which  immediately  blew  the  sausages, 
etc.,  into  the  air.  There  (cries  he)  now  you  may 
see  where  Boston  is,  and  also  how  the  Americans 
will  learn  General  Gage  and  his  soldiers  to  fly 
without  wings/  He  then  gave  the  woman  a 
guinea  for  the  loss  of  her  goods,  who  was 
very  well  satisfied  about  the  matter."2 

But  before  this  transpired  Boston  experienced 
some  of  the  cruelty  of  war,  and  was  the  first  city 
to  be  ground  under  the  heel  of  the  British. 


72  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

What  a  transition  for  this  cleanly  town,  with 
its  church-going  community,  to  be  revolutionized 
into  a  dirty,  diseased,  military  camp  ! 

General  Gage  allowed  those  who  desired  to 
leave  for  the  country,  but  they  were  not  permitted 
to  retain  firearms  or  ammunition  ;  these  they 
were  obliged  to  deliver  to  the  selectmen.  This 
was  generally  complied  with.  He  also  forbade 
merchandise  being  taken  out  of  the  city  ;  then 
all  provisions  and  medicine.  And  after  May  2ist 
the  guards  even  took  from  the  poorer  people  a 
single  loaf  of  bread  and  half  a  pound  of  choco 
late.  Finally  "  all  communication  between  Bos 
ton  and  the  country  was  cut  off,  and  no  one  was 
permitted  to  go  in  or  out  without  a  pass." 

In  June  General  Gage  promulgated  his  famous 
proclamation,  "  offering  a  pardon  to  all  who 
would  proselyte  themselves  to  the  royal  author 
ity,  excepting  Hancock  and  Adams."  They 
were  proscribed  by  King  George,  whose  first 
order  was  that  they  be  sent  over  to  England  for 
trial  ;  the  second  directed  that  they  be  hanged 
in  Boston.3 

The  proscription  was  ridiculed  in  Massachu 
setts  and  put  into  verse.  The  Gazette  of  June  24, 
T775<  nas  this  stanza  from  one  of  their  odes  : 

"  But  I  must  out  of  this  plan  lock 
Both  Samuel  Adams  and  John  Hancock  ; 
For  those  vile  traitors  (like  bedentures) 
Must  be  tucked  up  at  all  adventures, 
As  any  proffer  of  a  pardon 
Would  only  tend  these  rogues  to  harden/' 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  73 

The  proscription  of  George  III,  says  an  author 
writing  of  Hancock,  is  a  "  mausoleum  to  thy 
memory  which  will  survive  a  ponderous  monu 
ment  of  marble."  And  a  gentleman  of  Philadel 
phia  wrote  to  a  member  of  the  British  Parlia 
ment  : 

if  There  cannot  be  a  greater  error  than  to  sup 
pose  that  the  present  commotions  in  America  are 
owing  to  the  acts  of  demagogues.  Every  man 
thinks  and  acts  for  himself.  .  .  .  It  is  to  no 
purpose  to  attempt  to  destroy  the  opposition  to 
the  omnipotence  of  Parliament  by  taking  off  our 
Hancock,  Adamses,  Dickinsons.  Ten  thousand 
patriots  of  the  same  stamp  stand  ready  to  fill  their 
places."4 

We  left  John  Hancock  and  Samuel  Adams 
making  their  way  resolutely,  but  with  caution, 
toward  Worcester,  there  to  join,  April  24,  other 
delegates  enroute  to  the  Continental  Congress  at 
Philadelphia.  Adams  and  Hancock  met  the 
Governor  and  Council  of  Connecticut,  when  they 
planned  the  taking  of  Ticonderoga  ;5  and  a  party 
of  volunteers,  commanded  by  Ethan  Allen, 
started  with  that  purpose  and  succeeded  in  cap 
turing  it  May  10,  1775." 

From  Worcester,  April  24th,  Hancock  wrote 
privately  to  the  Committee  of  Safety  in  Boston — 
"  Are  our  men  in  spirits?  For  God's  sake  do  not 
suffer  the  spirit  to  subside  until  they  have  per 
fected  the  reduction  of  our  enemies.  Boston 


74  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

must  be  entered  ;  the  troops  must  be  sent  away. 
Our  friends  are  valuable,  but  our  country  must 
be  saved  !"6 

Saturday,  April  29,  Judge  Edmund  Ouincy  had 
left  Boston  for  Lancaster,  about  seventy  miles 
distant.  Traveling  was  most  uncomfortable  and 
cheerless.  He  was  until  Friday  evening  reach 
ing  the  residence  of  his  son-in-law,  Mr.  Greenleaf, 
having  sent  the  two  negroes  in  advance. 

"  Carriages  were  scarce,"  he  writes  to  his  son 
Henry,  and  4<  it  cost  me  near  twenty  pounds,  be 
sides  quartering  on  some  of  my  good  friends, 
who  were  very  kind  and  generous.  Your  sister 
Dolly,  with  Mr.  Hancock,  came  from  Shirley  to 
your  brother  Greenleaf's  and  dined,  and  pro 
ceeded  to  Worcester,  where  Colonel  Hancock 
and  Mr.  Adams  were  on  their  way.  This  was  ten 
days  before  I  got  hither,  so  that  I  missed  seeing 
them.  As  I  hear  she  proceeded  with  Mrs.  Han 
cock  to  Fail-field,  I  don't  expect  to  see  her  till 
peaceable  times  are  restored."7 

He  wrote  to  his  son  Edmund,  May  19,  1775, 
in  an  incensed  and  disgusted  state  of  mind  be 
cause  the  colonists  were  represented  "  as  a  lazy, 
ignorant,  poltroon,  low  kind  of  people  ;  there 
fore,  incapable  of  defending  themselves  or  their 
country." 


CHAPTER  XII. 

DOROTHY  QUINCY  AT  FAIRFIELD — HANCOCK'S  LETTER 
TO  DOROTHY — ENTHUSIASM  FOR  JOHN  HANCOCK — 
ELECTED  PRESIDENT  OF  THE  CONTINENTAL  CON 
GRESS — CONTEMPORARIES'  OPINION  OF  HIM. 

Mrs.  Hancock  and  Dorothy  were  installed  at 
Fairfield,  "  a  beautiful  town,  cultivated  and  pros 
perous,"  for  an  indefinite  period  at  the  house  of  a 
very  intimate  friend,  Thaddeus  Burr,  who  was  a 
leading  citizen  of  the  place. 

"  His  fine  colonial  mansion  was  a  prominent 
object  in  the  centre  of  the  village.  Here  he  dis 
pensed  sumptuous  hospitality.  In  1779  the  Brit 
ish  burnt  this  house,  with  its  valuable  contents, 
as  well  as  nearly  all  the  principal  buildings,  pub 
lic  and  private.  When  Burr  rebuilt,  after  the 
war,  Governor  Hancock  presented  him  with  the 
necessary  lumber  and  glass."1 

By  the  first  of  May  the  delegates  reached  New 
York,  and  there  are  lengthy  accounts  in  the  jour 
nals  of  their  reception  ;  the  people's  approving 
demonstrations  on  Hancock's  course,  and  disap 
proval  of  Gage's  proclamation. 

Hancock  wrote  from  New  York  to  his  fiancee, 
giving  the  details  of  their  reception  in  that  city, 


76  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

where  his  carriage  was  given  precedence  of  all 
others.  The  procession  formed  at  King's  Bridge, 
and  when  within  three  miles  of  the  town  they  were 
met  by  the  Grenadier  Company  and  regiment  of 
the  City  Militia  under  arms  ;  gentlemen  in  car 
riages,  on  horseback,  and  many  thousand  persons 
on  foot;  the  roads  filled  with  people. 

To  quote  from  the  letter,  "  When  within  a  mile 
of  the  city  my  carriage  was  stopped  and,  persons 
appearing  with  proper  harness,  insisted  upon  tak 
ing  out  my  horses  and  dragging  me  into  and 
through  the  city — a  circumstance  1  would  not 
have  had  taken  place  upon  any  consideration.  1 
begged  and  entreated  that  they  would  suspend 
the  design,  and  asked  it  as  a  favor.  The  matter 
subsided,  but  when  1  got  to  the  entrance  of  the 
city,  and  the  number  of  spectators  increased  to 
perhaps  seven  thousand  or  more,  they  declared 
they  would  have  the  horses  out  and  drag  me 
themselves  through  the  city." 

Hancock  had  finally  to  apply  to  the  leading 
gentlemen  in  the  procession  before  he  could  suc 
ceed  in  arresting  these  demonstrations. 

He  closes  his  letter  : 


"  I  beg  you  will  write  me.  Do  acquaint  me  with 
every  circumstance  relative  to  the  dear  aunt  of  mine. 
Write  lengthy  and  often.  .  .  .  Pray  let  me  hear 
from  you  by  every  post.  God  bless  you,  my  dear  girl, 
and  believe  me,  most  sincerely, 

"  Yours  most  affectionately, 

"  JOHN  HANCOCK."3 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  77 

The  fair  Dorothy,  though  evidently  endowed 
with  depth  of  feeling,  did  not  permit  it  to  flow 
into  love  effusions,  or  she  may  have  been  one  of 
those  fluent  conversationalists  who  are  not 
equally  ready  as  writers.  Her  letters  occur  rarely, 
and  Hancock  utters  frequent  plaints  at  this  si 
lence.  The  heart,  however,  must  have  throbbed 
with  pleasure  as  she  read  the  ovation  to  her  hero 
lover. 

An  account  in  the  Pennsylvania  Evening  Post 
gives  the  progress  of  the  delegates  :  "  The  roads 
were  lined  with  greater  numbers  of  people  than 
were  ever  known  on  any  occasion  before.  Their 
arrival  was  announced  by  the  ringing  of  bells  and 
other  demonstrations  of  joy.  They  had  double 
sentries  placed  at  the  doors  of  their  lodgings 
while  in  New  York.  Every  precaution  taken  that 
the  British  should  not  carry  out  their  threat  on 
the  two  patriots." 

"  They  left  New  York  with  John  Adams,  Rob 
ert  Treat  Paine,  Thomas  Gushing  and  other  dele 
gates  for  the  City  of  Philadelphia,  a  large  guard 
attending  them  across  the  water  to  protect  them 
from  an  attack — two  hundred  and  three  sloops 
and  a  number  of  other  vessels  ;  and,  it  is  said, 
about  five  hundred  gentlemen  crossed  the  ferry 
with  them,  among  whom  were  two  hundred  mil 
itia  under  arms." 

Another  letter  details  the  attentions  paid  them, 
and  says,  "They  will  not  reach  your  city  (Phila- 


78  DOROTHY   QUINCY 

delphia)  until  Wednesday  morning,  when  you  can 
be  in  readiness  to  pay  them  the  same  honors  they 
have  received  here."" 

"  Every  town  they  passed  through  they  were 
received  by  the  military,  and  at  Philadelphia  a 
large  concourse  met  them  ;  the  bells  were  set 
ringing  on  their  entrance,  and  every  mark  of  re 
spect  that  could  be  was  expressed."4 

On  the  Qth  of  May  they  arrived,  and  the  Conti 
nental  Congress  met  on  the  loth. 

Peyton  Randolph,  who  resigned  the  Presi 
dency,  had  returned  home  and  left  the  seat  va 
cant. 

On  the  I9th  of  May  Benjamin  Harrison,  of  Vir 
ginia,  with  Southern  warmth  and  fervency,  threw 
his  arms  around  John  Hancock  and  placed  him 
in  the  vacant  Presidential  chair,  exclaiming,  "We 
will  show  Mother  Britain  how  little  we  care  for 
her  by  making  a  Massachusetts  man  our  Presi 
dent,  whom  she  has  excluded  from  pardon  and 
offered  a  reward  for  his  head  !" 

Winthrop  says,  "  Was  there  ever  a  more  signal 
distinction  vouchsafed  to  mortal  man?  Not  yet 
forty  years  of  age,  with  a  princely  fortune  at  stake, 
and  with  a  price  upon  his  head,  sitting  there  in  all 
the  calm  composure  and  dignity  which  so  pecu 
liarly  characterized  him,  and  which  nothing 
seemed  able  to  relax  or  ruffle." 

It  has  been  said,  "  He  felt  deeply  embarrassed 
when  the  unanimous  election  was  declared,  but 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  79 

recovered  his  wonted  self-possession  after  being 
seated  in  the  chair."1"' 

Tudor  says  of  him  in  his  Life  of  James  Otis, 
14  John  Hancock  was  thoroughly  conversant  with 
the  forms  of  business  in  a  public  body.  As  Presi 
dent,  Moderator,  or  Speaker  of  an  Assembly, 
whether  town  meeting  or  a  house  of  representa 
tives,  he  was  not  surpassed  by  any  person  of  his 
lime.  He  was  attentive,  impartial,  dignified  and 
in  these  situations  inspired  respect  and  confidence 
wherever  he  presided — his  feelings  and  principles 
those  of  a  patriot,  his  morality  and  benevolence 
those  of  a  sincere  professor  of  Christianity." 

Another  writer  says  that  "'  Hancock's  popular 
ity  extended  throughout  the  United  colonies." 
And  these  are  but  a  few  of  the  many  commenda 
tory  notices  of  him. 

A  resume  of  John  Hancock's  career,  from  his 
start  in  life,  was  necessary  ;  and  we  have  now 
followed  Dorothy  Quincy's  future  husband  up  to 
the  highest  office — President  of  the  Congress. 
Nor  does  it  appear  that  her  heart  or  her  judgment 
had  erred  in  this  choice. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

LIFE  AT  FAIRFIELD — LETTER  FROM  HANCOCK — DIS 
TRESS  IN  BOSTON  —  HANCOCK  WISHES  TO  SERVE 
UNDER  WASHINGTON — GEORGE  WASHINGTON'S  RE 
PLY — JOHN  HANCOCK'S  LETTERS  TO  DOROTHY — 
JUDGE  QUINCY'S  VIEWS — SAMUEL  PAINE  ON  BOS 
TON — ARRIVAL  OF  HOWE — WASHINGTON  APPOINT 
ED  COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF. 

Dorothy  Quincy  continued  at  Fan-field,  charm 
ing  the  townspeople  by  her  beauty  and  gracious- 
ness,  yet  with  a  touch  of  stateliness  that  was  in 
herent  in  her;  and  she  was  the  ornament  of  Mr. 
Burr's  entertainments. 

Dorothy  Quincy,  who  realized  the  mind  was 
given  to  her  for  practice,  at  times  indulged  in  stu 
dious  thought  ;  but  she  also  used  her  winning 
smile  to  decorate  playful  or  trivial  talk,  to  which 
women  lend  such  a  charm  with  their  lively  imag 
ination. 

It  was  not  the  age  when  time  hung  heavy  be 
cause  of  "  nothing  to  do."  Dorothy  whiled  away 
hours  with  those  occupations  that  were  the  fash 
ion  of  the  day.  Then  came  "  letters  which  shorten 
absence."  Every  fortnight  the  coach  brought 
her  a  packet  of  them  from  Hancock,  who  was 
indefatigable  with  his  pen-worship  ;  and,  though 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  81 

we  bewail  Dorothy  Quincy's  discretion  in  re 
pressing  an  inky  effervescence  over  the  blank 
pages,  yet  it  has  spared  her  missives  from  curious 
eyes,  to  peruse  with  praise  or  censure. 

In  a  letter  of  Hancock's,  June  10,  1775,  he 
writes  :  "  I  am  almost  prevailed  on  to  think  that 
my  letters  to  my  aunt  and  you  are  not  read,  for 
I  cannot  obtain  a  reply.  I  have  asked  a  million 
questions  and  not  an  answer  to  one.  ...  I 
really  take  it  extremely  unkind.  Pray,  my  dear, 
use  not  so  much  ceremony  and  reservedness. 
Why  can't  you  use  freedom  in  writing?  Be  not 
afraid  of  me.  I  want  long  letters.  ...  I 
beg,  my  dear  Dolly,  you  will  write  me  often  and 
long  letters.  I  will  forgive  the  past  if  you  will 
mend  in  future.  Do  ask  my  aunt  to  make  me 
up  and  send  me  a  watch-string,  and  do  you  make 
up  another?  I  want  something  of  your  doing." 

He  sends  her  a  box  containing  a  variety  of 
articles,  and  says,  "  which  I  do  insist  you  wear. 
If  you  do  not  I  shall  think  the  donor  is  the  ob 
jection.  ...  I  wish  these  may  please  you  ; 
I  shall  be  gratified  if  they  do.  Pray  write  me  ;  I 
will  attend  to  all  your  commands."1 

Private  letters  from  Boston,  the  home  of  Dor 
othy  Quincy,  continued  to  report  the  greatest  suf 
fering  among  the  inhabitants.  This  extract  por 
trays  some  of  their  distress : 

"  No  word  can  describe  the  dreadful  scene  of 
misery  of  that  unhappy  town.  The  shrieks  of 


8a  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

the  women,  the  cries  of  the  children,  the  dying 
groans  of  the  wounded  and  want  of  provisions 
would  extort  a  tear  from  even  the  eye  of  a  hero."2 

No  one  dared  restrain  the  soldiers,  who  "  rose 
in  the  meeting-houses  and  preached  queer,  mock 
ing  sermons  against  the  rebellious  Puritans." 

The  tendency  to  doggerel  at  this  time  was  so 
universal  one  is  tempted  to  give  an  occasional 
verse  : 

"  Yankee  Doodle  came  to  toivn 
For  to  buy  a  firelock  ; 
We  will  tar  and  feather  him. 
And  so  we  will  John  Hancock."3 

There  was  a  strong  feeling  in  favor  of  a  deter 
mined  stand  "  in  all  the  colonies,  and  men  of 
wealth  and  influence  joined  in  protesting  against 
the  usurpations  of  the  mother  country,"  "  but  they 
were  also  averse  to  a  decided  rupture."* 

As  this  is  a  life  of  Dorothy  Quincy,  and  the 
part  that  her  husband  took  in  events,  I  regret  that 
I  cannot  digress  into  the  history  of  other  colonies, 
where  men  stood  forth  in  their  patriotic  work  as 
prominent  as  those  in  New  England. 

Another  year  passed,  and  in  1775  there  was  a 
reversal  of  opinion.  John  Hancock,  who  never 
wavered,  had  under  the  stimulus  of  continued  en 
thusiasm,  and  from  regard  for  George  Washing 
ton,  written  to  him,  July  10  : 

"  I  must  beg  the  favor  that  you  will  reserve 
some  berth  for  me  in  such  department  as  you 


DOROTHY   QUINCY  83 

may  judge  most  proper,  for  i  am  determined  to 
act  under  you  if  it  be  to  take  the  firelock  and  join 
the  ranks  as  volunteer."5 

This  does  not  bear  out  the  insinuation  that  he 
was  jealous  of  Washington,  as  has  been  intimated 
by  one  of  the  delegates. 

In  Washington's  reply  he  says,  "  I  am  partic 
ular  to  acknowledge  that  part  of  your  favor  of  the 
loth  instant  wherein  you  do  me  the  honor  of  de 
termining  to  join  the  army  under  my  command. 
1  need  certainly  make  no  professions  of  the  pleas 
ure  I  shall  have  in  seeing  you.  At  the  same  time 
have  to  regret  that  so  little  is  in  my  power  to 
offer  equal  to  Colonel  Hancock's  merits  and 
worthy  of  his  acceptance." 

But  the  health  of  Colonel  Hancock  would  have 
debarred  him  from  serving  long  in  the  field. 

Men  were  aroused  in  all  ranks  of  life,  and  Gen 
eral  Gage  was  astonished  to  witness  the  spread  of 
the  Union  sentiment ;  also  the  solicitude  in  behalf 
of  Massachusetts.  In  one  of  his  letters  he  writes, 
"  They  have  warm  friends  in  New  York,  Philadel 
phia  ;  and,  that  the  people  of  Charleston,  S.  C, 
are  as  mad  as  they  are  here."6 

Hancock's  letters,  full  of  affection,  pour  out 
to  the  absent  one,  his  "  dear  Dolly,"  urging  her 
to  write,  and  he  says,  "  Had  I  my  aunt  and  you 
with  me  I  should  be  much  happier,  and  wish 
much  to  be  with  you  both  ;  the  where  is  imma 
terial.  .  .  .  Adieu,  my  dear  girl  ;  you  are 


84  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

ever  in  my  thoughts,  and  the  contemplation  of 
you  gives  me  much  pleasure.  T  am,  affection 
ately  yours  always,  John  Hancock."7 

The  above  letter  was  written  "  Sabbath  even 
ing,  July  2d."  On  the  nth  he  despatches  an 
other,  "  Sabbath  morning  early ''  : 

"  My  Dear  Dolly  : — I  am  obliged  to  work  all 
day.  I  have  been  busy  all  the  morning  writing 
and  preparing  for  expresses.  Having  finished,  1 
must  write  you  one  line,  tho'  my  letters  are  so  lit 
tle  noticed  ;  but  I  will  do  my  duty.  I  wrote  you 
yesterday  by  Doctor  Church,  when  I  sent  you  a 
few  little  things  in  a  paper  box,  which  I  wish  may 
suit  you  and  be  acceptable.  I  wish  I  could  see 
them  on  the  person,  but  hope  they  will  not  be 
quite  worn-out  before  I  do  see  her.  tho'  I  can't  say 
how  long  it  will  be  before  we  rise. 

"  I  must  insist  you  immediately  wear  all  the 
articles  ;  if  not,  please  to  send  them  back.  .  .  . 
I  steal  time  to  write.  Pray  write  me  often  ;  write 
a  volume.  I  love  your  long  letters.  .  .  .  God 
bless  you,  my  dear  Dolly,  and  believe  me  to  be, 
with  great  truth,  yours  most  affectionately,  John 
Hancock." 

The  British  Administration's  full  weight  of 
power  was  hurled  against  Massachusetts,  and  ex 
pected,  "by  crushing  the  spirit  of  Boston,  to 
crush  the  disobedience  in  the  colonies."  An 
alarming  condition  continued  ;  and,  about  a 
month  after  the  Battle  of  Bunker  Hill,  John  Han- 


DOROTHY   QUINCY  85 

cock,  President,  appointed  "July  20,  1775,  as  a 
day  of  public  humiliation,  fasting  and  prayer,  to 
all  the  English  colonies  on  the  continent/' 

July  22d,  1775,  Judge  Quincy  wrote  from  Lan 
caster  to  his  "  dear  daughter  Dolly,"  expressing 
regrets  at  Hancock's  gout.  He  says,  "  And  es 
pecially  that  he  is  in  want  of  your  spectacles,  if 
I  understand  you  right.  I  wish  I  had  such  as 
would  suit  him  ;  but,  by  one  means  or  other,  I'm 
reduced  to  a  single  pair  of  temple  '  specs/  and 
one  pair  of  bows,  that  I'm  very  sure  can  suit  him 
in  no  respect,  and  here  am  void  of  all  supply.  I 
pray  his  health  may  be  continued,  as  his  present 
station  calls  for  so  great  an  exertion  of  every 
mental  power,  as  well  as  bodily." 

He  prophesies  thus  in  regard  to  the  country  : 
"  It  seems  to  me  not  improbable  that  the  pres 
ent  Grand  Council  of  American  Safety,  convened 
in  the  City  of  Philadelphia,  may  have  the  lasting 
honor  of  being  recorded  in  the  present  and  future 
annals  of  the  American  and  European  world  as 
the  remarkable  instrument,  in  the  hands  of  the 
All-wise  Governor  of  the  Universe,  not  only  of 
confirming  and  establishing  the  liberty  of  Amer 
ica  and  Britain,  but  likewise  of  flashing  such  pal 
pable  light  upon  the  subjects  of  other  kingdoms 
and  states  of  Europe  as  gradually,  in  conjunction 
with  other  means,  may  become  irresistible,  under 
the  direction  of  Heaven,  in  breaking  ye  bonds 
and  bursting  ye  cords  asunder  by  which  those 


86  DOROTHY  QU1NCY 

people  have  been  so  long  held  of  their  despotic 
and  tyrannical  masters.  Their  cries,  I  doubt  not, 
have  long  since  reached  the  throne  of  the  King 
of  kings  and  Lord  of  lords,  to  Whom  we  are  told 
vengeance  belongs,  and  He  will  not  tarry." 

Judge  Quincy  was,  as  we  see,  a  firm  believer 
that  an  All-wise  Father  was  directing  the  course 
of  events  through  His  children  here  on  earth. 
His  letters  breathe  a  profound  religious  fervor, 
and  are  replete  with  the  Christian  faith  and  hope 
that  guides  the  lives  of  all  true  believers. 

This  it  was  that  probably  sustained  him  under 
the  many  trying,  anxious  months  of  danger  pend 
ing — a  home  broken  up,  his  children  scattered, 
his  property  at  the  mercy  of  reckless  soldiery- 
while  he  was  forced  to  remain  absent  from  Bos 
ton,  not  knowing  if  he  could  ever  again  enter  the 
town. 

Samuel  Paine,  writing  to  his  brother  in  Eng 
land,  October,  1775,  succinctly  utters  this  judg 
ment  on  ill-fated  Boston  :  "  This  town  is  almost 
deserted  by  its  ancient  inhabitants,  and  the  peo 
ple  of  Boston,  like  the  Jews,  are  scattered  over 
the  face  of  the  earth  !  Just  punishment  of  God."7 

At  last  General  Gage,  either  from  his  reverses 
or  other  causes,  was  to  be  replaced  by  Howe, 
and  in  August  his  wife  and  family  left  for  Eng 
land,  besides  a  number  of  others  who  had  en 
dured  as  long  as  they  could  the  discomforts  of  a 
garrisoned  city.  And  there  were  then  few  to  be 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  87 

found  agreeing  with  one  of  the  delegates  to  the 
Congress,  who  declared  that  "  war,  like  other 
evils,  is  often  wholesome.  The  waters  that  stag 
nate  corrupt."8 

The  change  to  Howe  could  not  have  been  con 
sidered  by  the  inhabitants  of  that  unfortunate 
town  as  an  improvement  to  their  condition,  for  a 
gentleman,  who  left  there  at  that  time,  reported, 
"  That,  by  order  of  General  Howe,  they  have 
taken  down  the  pulpit  and  all  the  pews  in  the 
Old  South  Meeting-House,  and  are  using  it  for  a 
riding  school.  Thus  we  see  the  house  once  set 
apart  for  the  true  worship  and  service  of  God 
turned  into  a  den  of  thieves.  They  burned  the 
pews  and  pulpit  ;  and  loads  of  dirt  and  gravel 
were  carted  in  and  spread  on  the  floor."9 

Hancock  at  this  time  made  a  passing  visit  to 
the  family  of  Washington.  In  a  letter  to  El- 
bridge  Gerry,  June  18,  1775,  he  says  : 

"  I  cannot  tell  you  of  the  doings  of  Congress  in 
general,  but  I  am  thus  far  indulged  to  mention, 
but  'by  no  means  to  be  put  in  the  newspapers  at 
present — Colonel  Washington  is  appointed  Com- 
mander-in-Chief  of  the  Continental  Army.  I 
shall  sign  his  commission  tomorrow.  He  will 
depart  in  a  few  days  ;  you  will  judge  of  the  pro 
priety  of  the  mode  of  his  reception.  He  is  a  fine 
man."10 

A  London  letter,  in  one  of  the  journals,  July 
20th,  states  that  in  Boston,  June  i6th,  four  days 


88  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

after  Gage  had  issued  his  proclamation,  the 
flight  of  Hancock  and  Adams  had  been  advised 
"  to  some  islands,  and  up  the  country."  This 
conveys  to  us  the  slow  pace  of  news  in  the  olden 
days  ;  for,  instead  of  flight  into  the  solitude  of 
retired  islands  to  elude  British  soldiers,  Hancock 
and  Adams  were  in  security,  successfully  devis 
ing  tactics  to  drive  their  foes  out  of  the  country. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

HANCOCK'S  NAMESAKES — AARON  BURR — WEDDING  OF 
DOROTHY  QUINCY — JOHN  SEWELL'S  OPINION — NO 
TICES  OF  THE  EVENT — THEY  LEAVE  FOR  PHILADEL 
PHIA — DOROTHY  MEETS  WITH  RELATIVES — DOR 
OTHY  IN  HER  NEW  POSITION — JOHN  ADAMS 
WRITES  OF  HER  —  NEW  DUTIES  FOR  DOROTHY 
QUINCY— MRS.  HANCOCK  AT  MARSHALLS. 

Dorothy  Quincy  was  still  domiciled  at  Fair- 
field,  Mr.  Burr  nor  Aunt  Lydia  being  willing  to 
part  from  this  radiance  in  their  household. 

Judge  Quincy,  in  his  letter  to  his  daughter, 
July  22d,  1775,  writes  the  amusing  item  that 
Mrs.  Rice  had  twins,  and  ik  they  were  named 
John  Hancock  and  Dorothy  Quincy."  He  went 
to  see  them,  and  gives  his  impression,  "  I  think 
them  a  couple  of  fine  children,  considered  as 
twins."1 

The  next  month  John  Hancock  was  recipient 
of  another  of  these  honors.  One  of  the  journal 
ists  writes  : 

"  We  hear  from  Cecil  county,  in  the  Province 
of  Maryland,  that  Mr.  Elihu  Hall,  Jr.,  a  young 
gentleman  of  family,  fortune  and  character  in 
said  county,  last  Sabbath  had  his  first-born  son 
baptized  John  Hancock,  as  well  to  express  his 


90  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

esteem  of  the  New  England  bravery  in  general 
as  in  particular  honor  of  the  great  American 
PATRIOT  of  that  name,  who  now,  under  God, 
presides  in  the  honorable  Continental  Congress. '"- 

There  was  now  introduced  into  the  house  of 
Thaddeus  Burr  that  gallant  individual — his 
young  nephew,  Aaron  Burr,  who  is  represented 
as  a  fascinating  youth.  What  a  change  did  this 
create  in  the  daily  round  of  amusements  in  Dor 
othy  Quincy's  life  ! 

Aunt  Lydia,  her  mind  full  of  oft-told  dangers 
from  propinquity,  immediately  took  alarm.  She 
apprehended  delay,  if  not  peril,  to  her  cherished 
plans. 

Her  solicitude  was  great,  but  she  faced  the  sit 
uation  heroically,  and  had  recourse  to  her 
woman's  wit  to  debar  the  young  people  from  a 
tete-a-tete. 

The  homage  of  the  newcomer  was  rather  re 
freshing  to  the  young  lady  ;  and  they  fell  into 
animated  conversation — not  dangerous,  but  the 
experienced  Aunt  Lydia  may  have  observed  that 
a  pair  of  bright  eyes  had  awakened  a  growing 
admiration  in  the  host's  nephew  which  escaped 
Miss  Dorothy  ;  and  it  was  probably  through  the 
aunt's  influence  that  Mr.  Aaron  Burr's  visit  came 
to  an  abrupt  termination. 

Dorothy,  relating  this  to  a  friend,  takes  excep 
tion  to  the  surveillance  that  was  exercised,  having 
detected  that  Mrs.  Hancock  never  allowed  them 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  91 

a  moment  in  each  other's  society  without  a  chap 
eron.  And  concluded  her  account  of  him — "  He 
was  a  handsome  young  man,  with  a  pretty  prop 
erty." 

Dorothy  Quincy  was  to  be  exposed  to  no  more 
diversions  from  the  society  of  dashing  nephews, 
as  Aunt  Lydia  instituted  final  preparations  for 
the  great  ceremony. 

John  Hancock,  who  had  not  permitted  the  excit 
ing  times  nor  the  new  honors  to  supplant  in  his 
thoughts  the  graceful  girl,  who  later  developed 
into  the  elegant  woman,  eagerly  cast  aside  the 
duties  of  state  by  the  end  of  August  and  hastened 
to  Connecticut  to  be  married. 

Hope,  which  caressingly  trolls  many  to  the  ful 
fillment  of  their  wishes,  or  the  destruction  of  them, 
brought  to  John  Hancock  that  good  fortune  which 
seems  to  have  dominated  his  life. 

The  New  York  Post  gives  a  detailed  account 
of  the  Burr  mansion  and  the  wedding  in  keeping 
with  the  host's  liberality  and  the  prominence  of  the 
parties.  It  is  diffuse  in  particulars  of  the  "  blue 
blood  "  present  and  the  great  gathering  of  guests 
from  the  town  and  from  afar,  which  added  un 
usual  brilliancy  to  the  scene. 

This  wedding  created,  evidently,  a  social  flurry : 
and  unbounded  interest  was  expressed  throughout 
the  northern  colonies,  the  papers  publishing  no 
tices  uf  the  event. 


92  DOROTHY   QUINCY 

There  was  one  man  who  could  not  regard  it 
with  any  serenity,  and  that  was  the  Tory,  Judge 
Sewell,  who,  writing  to  his  Cousin  Robie,  August 
12,  1775,  advised  him  to  send  his  wife  back  to 
Salem,  or  Marblehead,  to  be  safe,  and  adds,  "  Be 
sides,  Mrs.  Robie  and  Mrs.  Higgenson  would  de 
rive  some  advantage  from  certain  connections 
which  I  cannot  think  of  without  indignation! 
But,  when  it  is  to  combat  evil,  '  Tis  lawful  to  em 
ploy  the  devil/  J: 

John  Hancock,  evidently,  is  referred  to  under 
the  head  of  his  satanic  majesty. 

The  announcement  from  the  Pennsylvania  Ga 
zette  of  September  6,  1775,  is  in  quite  another  tone. 
Under  date  of  August  29,  Fairfield.  4<  Last  even 
ing  was  married  at  the  seat  of  Thaddeus  Burr, 
Esq.,  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Elliott,  the  Hon.  John 
Hancock,  Esq.,  President  of  the  Continental 
Congress,  to  Miss  Dorothy  Quincy,  daughter  of 
Edmund  Quincy,  Esq.,  of  Boston.  Florus  in 
forms  us  that,  '  in  the  second  Punic  war,  when 
Hannibal  besieged  Rome,  and  was  very  near  mak 
ing  himself  Master  of  it,  a  field  upon  which  part 
of  his  army  lay  was  offered  for  sale,  and  was  im 
mediately  purchased  by  a  Roman,  in  a  strong 
assurance  that  the  Roman  valour  and  courage 
would  soon  raise  the  siege.'  Equal  to  the  conduct 
of  that  illustrious  citizen  was  the  marriage  of  the 
Hon.  John  Hancock,  Esq.,  who.  with  his  amiable 
Lady,  has  paid  as  great  a  compliment  to  American 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  93 

valour,  and  discovered  equal  patriotism,  by  marry 
ing  now,  while  all  the  colonies  are  as  much  con 
vulsed  as  Rome  when  Hannibal  was  at  her  gates." 

Dorothy  wrote  to  her  father  of  their  marriage, 
and  that  they  had  concluded  not  to  pass  through 
New  York,  as  the  "  Aria  "  there  had  caused  much 
mischief  by  firing  upon  the  city. 

The  newly-married  pair  left  at  once  for  Phila 
delphia.  A  New  York  paper  of  September  4 
states  : 

"  Saturday  last  the  Hon.  John  Hancock  and  his 
Lady  arrived  here  from  Connecticut  and  imme 
diately  set  out  for  Philadelphia." 

A  notice  from  Philadelphia,  September  6,  notes 
that,  "  Yesterday  arrived  here  the  Hon.  John 
Hancock,  Esq.,  and  lady,  from  Connecticut,  and 
the  Hon.  Peyton  Randolph,  Esq..  and  lady,  from 
Virginia/' 

This  wedding  was  also  chronicled  in  an  Irish 
magazine,  with  a  likeness  of  the  "  President  of 
the  Continental  Congress  "  as  frontispiece.  After 
laudatory  writing  of  Hancock,  it  continues,  "  that 
he  hath  lately  married  one  of  the  most  accom 
plished  ladies  on  the  continent,  who  has  brought 
him  a  great  addition  to  his  paternal  fortune."3 

John  Hancock,  who  now  had  the  fair  Dorothy 
under  his  authorized  protection  from  British  sol 
diery  and  engaging  idlers,  must  have  felt  all  the 
satisfaction  that  the  situation  afforded.  Such  sat 
isfaction  is  very  different  from  that  experienced  by 


94  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

a  man  when  his  popular  eloquence  carries  an  au 
dience  by  storm,  or  when  he  had  done  an  act  of 
kindly  charity.  This  is  to  have  won  the  woman 
he  loves  and  made  her  part  of  his  "  goods  and 
chattels,"  labeled  with  his  name. 

Philadelphia,  the  colonial  metropolis,  as  de 
scribed  at  this  time,  had  "  graceful  inequalities 
and  a  diversity  of  undulations  that  variegated  the 
city,"4  with  a  population  of  eighteen  thousand. 
The  houses  were  well  built,  and  an  air  of  comfort 
pervaded  them.  The  residents  were  aristocratic, 
and,  as  an  historian  writes,  "  money  was  no  pass 
port."5 

There  were  the  Tories  and  those  of  the  inhabit 
ants  engaged  in  commerce  that  were  averse  to 
being  disturbed  by  trouble  with  the  mother  coun 
try  ;  also  the  Quakers,  with  their  tenets  against 
war,  who  composed  a  large  body  and  exercised 
some  influence  in  the  city.  Notwithstanding  this 
element  there  was  much  elegant  dressing.  The 
dames  built  their  hair  as  toweringly  high  as  in 
any  other  part  of  the  country,  and  their  fine  bro 
cades  were  not  surpassed  by  those  of  Mrs.  Han 
cock.  Their  tables  groaned  under  delicate  and 
varied  viands  of  the  best  quality,  while  rich- 
bodied  Madeira  aided  their  digestion,  reserving  to 
itself  the  privilege  of  making  inroads  on  the  con 
stitution. 

This  was  the  home  into  which  Mrs.  Hancock 
was  introduced,  but  she  was  not  to  find  herself 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  95 

an  entire  stranger  in  the  quaint  town.  Among 
the  Congressional  delegates  were  connections  and 
relatives  of  her  own  family — Livingstone,  Mor 
ris,  Adams  and  Schuyler. 

She  felt  at  ease  with  none  of  the  constraint  that 
comes  from  being  new  to  a  position ;  she  had  met 
this  class  of  men  all  her  life,  and  was  not  awe-in 
spired  by  them.  It  was  somewhat  trying  to  be 
placed,  with  her  youth  and  beauty,  in  the  midst 
of  a  hundred  men  likely  to  feed  her  vanity;  but, 
fortunately,  it  developed  only  her  careful  training 
and  ballast  of  good  sense. 

In  the  town  of  Philadelphia,  with  its  Quakers, 
who  were  not  disposed  to  fetes  or  lavish  enter 
tainments,  and  the  Tories,  who  indulged  in  occa 
sional  balls,  Mrs.  Hancock  saw  presented  a  con 
trast  to  the  joyous  circle  at  home.  She  must  have 
missed  the  coterie  of  friends  who  had  installed 
her  as  queen,  and  where  she  reigned  with  her 
gentle  ascendancy;  missed  the  family  reunions 
and  relatives,  who  held  her  in  fondest  affection; 
missed  the  society  circle  of  acquaintances  at  the 
afternoon  teas — for  one  cannot  drop  into  a  remote 
town,  encircled  by  strangers,  and  feel  the  tender 
ness  of  manner  and  gush  of  heart  that  old  sur 
roundings  infuse. 

At  first  Mrs.  Hancock  was  not  much  attracted 
to  the  "  Friends,"  but,  as  their  acquaintance  pro 
gressed,  some  warm  friendships  were  formed, 
and  fortunate  were  those  who  secured  her  friend- 


96  DOROTHY   QUINCY 

ship.  It  was  not  the  ephemeral  fraternizing  of 
the  schoolgirl  nor  the  politic  one  of  the  woman  of 
the  world,  but  she  was  a  friend  in  the  hour  of 
need  as  well  as  in  days  of  prosperity. 

Realizing  her  new  dignities  she  bore  her  honors 
with  praiseworthy  punctiliousness,  and  conscien 
tiously  filled  one  of  the  most  prominent  positions 
in  the  country  through  the  trying  period  of  war 
fare  for  independence.  A  markedly  favorable  im 
pression  had  been  created  by  the  young  bride  on 
the  large  number  of  distinguished  men  there  as 
sembled. 

Mrs.  Adams,  October  21,  1775,  writing  to  her 
husband,  presents  her  best  regards  to  Mrs.  Han 
cock,  and  hopes  that  she  is  "  happy."  So  the 
felicitations  had  not  ceased. 

John  Adams,  in  a  letter  to  his  wife,  writes, 
November  4,  1775  :  "  Two  pair  of  colors  belong 
ing  to  the  Seventh  Regiment  were  brought  here 
last  night  from  Chambly  and  hung  up  in  Mrs. 
Hancock's  chamber  with  splendor  and  elegance. 
The  lady  sends  her  compliments  and  good  wishes. 
Among  a  hundred  men,  almost,  at  this  house  she 
lives  and  behaves  with  modesty  and  decency,  dig 
nity  and  discretion,  I  assure  you.  Her  behavior 
is  easy  and  genteel.  She  avoids  talking  upon  poli 
tics.  In  large  and  mixed  company  she  is  unus 
ually  silent,  as  a  lady  ought  to  be." 

This  is  high  praise  from  a  man  of  Adams'  dis 
crimination,  and  marks  the  refined  education  of  the 


DOROTHY   QUINCY  97 

times,  and  Mrs.  Hancock's  possession  of  that  nice 
perception  which  exercises  appropriately  the 
lauded  "  golden  silence." 

John  Hancock,  in  addition  to  the  duties  of  Con 
gress,  which  occupied  many  hours,  was  obliged  to 
sign  the  commissions  and  war  rents  for  the  offi 
cers,  civil  and  military;  to  attend  to  an  extensive 
political  correspondence,  and  to  promulgate  all 
orders  and  regulations  for  supplying  an  army.fi 
Continuous  labor,  with  the  climate,  affected  his 
constitution ;  but,  as  was  said  of  him,  "  His  mind 
rose  superior  to  this  misfortune  in  the  discharge 
of  his  public  duties."7  Meanwhile  his  own  affairs 
and  those  of  others  were  left  to  drift  in  their 
course,  which  impolitic  proceeding  caused  him 
much  trouble  in  after  years. 

This  sensible  young  wife  entered  on  the  new 
life  with  zest  and  installed  herself  as  assistant  to 
her  husband,  finding  pleasure  in  facilitating  his 
drudgery  as  far  as  was  possible. 

Her  embroidery  was  laid  aside  in  order  to  be 
come  a  sedulous  worker.  She  trimmed  with  her 
scissors  the  rough  edges  of  the  bills  of  credit  is 
sued  by  Congress  and  signed  by  the  President; 
arranged  them  in  saddle-bags,  then  despatched 
them  to  the  various  quarters  for  use  of  the  Army. 
She  also  packed  the  commissions,  which  she  for 
warded,8  making  herself  into  a  veritable  help-mate. 
A  writer  tells  us  that  "  previously,  all  this  business 


98  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

of  Congress  had  been  done  by  the  President  and 
was  very  arduous,  but  later  a  clerk  was  secured.''9 

In  their  hours  of  relaxation  Hancock  and  his 
wife  visited  together,  and  Mrs.  Hancock  is  spoken 
of  as  the  only  lady  present,  one  afternoon,  at  the 
house  of  4i  Ben  Marshall/'  in  a  coterie  of  promi 
nent  men  — "  John  Adams,  Samuel  Adams. 
Thomas  Gushing,  Treat  Paine,  Dyer  and  John 
Langdon  " — drinking  coffee  together.  This  at 
tests  Hancock's  desire  to  have  Mrs.  Hancock 
always  with  him,  and  his  appreciation  of  her 
bright  mind,  which  was  cultivated  from  observa 
tion  and  tutored  by  the  superior  intellect  of  her 
father. 

Judge  Quincy,  knowing  her  desire  to  be  in 
formed  on  the  important  subjects  of  the  day,  in 
one  of  his  letters  refers  her  for  "  political  news  " 
to  those  he  had  written  to — "  Mr.  Hancock  and 
Dr.  Y ." 


CHAPTER  XV. 

PROPOSED  BALL  TO  LADY  WASHINGTON — HER  TACT — 
PROPOSITION  TO  BOMBARD  BOSTON  —  HANCOCK'S 
"  MEMORABLE  LETTER  " — His  UNSELFISH  STAND — 
MRS.  HANCOCK'S  ADMIRATION  FOR  JOHN  HANCOCK. 

When  a  man  starts  upon  a  project  to  give  pleas 
ure  he  strenuously  objects  to  being  thwarted. 
Colonel  Harrison,  with  a  heart  full  of  geniality 
and  consideration  for  others,  was  desirous  of  en 
tertaining  the  Philadelphians  with  an  agreeable 
surprise,  which,  on  the  contrary,  threw  them  into 
the  wildest  state  of  perturbation. 

He  had  matured  elaborate  preparations  for  a 
ball  to  be  given  November  24.  17/5,  to  "  Lady 
Washington,"  who  was  to  pass  through  the  city  on 
her  way  to  join  her  husband  at  Cambridge.  And 
Hancock's  wife  was  also  expected  to  be  present. 

As  soon  as  it  became  rumored  a  committee  con 
vened  at  Philosophical  Hall  to  consider  the  pro 
priety  of  this  entertainment.  Such  a  "  meeting  '' 
(so  the  ball  was  designated)  "  appeared  to  be  con 
trary  to  the  Eighth  Resolve  of  Congress,  and 
there  was  strong  sympathy  with  the  royal  cause 
in  Philadelphia ;  besides,  a  number  were  averse  to 
balls  while  these  excited  times  continued,"  assert- 


ioo  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

ing  that  they  had  "  fears  for  the  peace  of  the  city 
and  the  destruction  of  the  New  Tavern,"7  where 
the  ball  was  to  take  place. 

The  committee  finally  decided  that  no  ball 
"  should  be  given  then,  nor  in  the  future,  while 
the  troublesome  times  continued/'2  and  orders 
were  sent  to  warn  the  directors  of  this  meeting 
"  not  to  proceed  any  further." 

Christopher  Marshall  started  immediately  to  no 
tify  Hancock,  but  he  had  not  returned  from  Con 
gress.  He  then  walked  to  the  State  House  to  mee't 
him,  "  as  probably  Hancock  could  present  the  del 
icate  points  of  the  situation  in  the  least  offensive 
light  to  Lady  Washington."  Failing  to  see  him, 
he  sent  for  Samuel  Adams  and  requested  him  to 
advise  with  Hancock.  No  time  was  to  be  lost,  so 
Marshall  returned  to  the  hall,  where  a  committee 
was  appointed  and  despatched  with  the  messages. 

Lady  Washington  was  at  this  period  nearly 
forty-eight  years  old,  with  an  attractive,  unaf 
fected  manner. 

These  gentlemen,  when  ushered  into  her  pres 
ence,  "  expressed  their  esteem  and  affection,"  of 
fering  her  "  their  grateful  acknowledgment  and 
respect."  Then  "  desired  her  not  to  grace  that 
company." 

Marshall  writes :  "  She  received  them  with  great 
politeness,  thanked  the  committee  for  their  kind 
care  and  regard  in  giving  such  timely  notice ;  re 
quested  her  best  compliments  to  be  returned  for 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  101 

their  care  and  regard,  and  to  assure  them  that 
their  sentiments  on  this  occasion  were  perfectly 
agreeable  unto  her  own;"  in  which  reply  we  see 
the  tact  of  Lady  Washington.  Tact — so  essential 
a  requisite  to  women  who  share  the  high  position 
of  prominent  husbands. 

Colonel  Harrison,  burning  with  indignation  at 
this  defeat  of  his  cherished  plans,  sought  at  once 
Samuel  Adams  to  rebuke  him  for  having  used  his 
influence  to  discourage  the  ball,  which,  he  declared, 
was  "  legal,  just  and  laudable." 

After  accomplishing  nothing  but  to  evoke  a 
heated  talk,  Harrison  took  his  leave,  and  we  read 
that  Lady  Washington,  November  27,  "  about  10 
o'clock,  attended  by  a  troop  of  Horse,  two  compa 
nies  of  Light  Infantry,  etc.,  left  this  city  on  her 
journey  to  the  camp  at  Cambridge." 

While  the  friends  of  Washington  were  excited 
over  this  episode,  Boston  was  to  experience  a  far 
different  agitation.  On  December  20  "  No  less 
than  thirty-four  commissioned  officers  resigned 
their  commissions  into  the  hands  of  the  General, 
declaring,  as  a  reason  for  this  procedure,  'that 
they  could  not  unite  in  this  civil  war  the  duty  (}f 
officers  with  their  inclinations  as  men. ' 

One  writer  observes,  "  that  such  a  defection  in 
the  Army  is  without  parallel  since  the  days  of 
James  II.,  and  is  likely  to  speak  more  feelingly 
than  all  the  oratory  of  both  Houses  of  Parlia- 


102  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

This  information  went  to  London  in  despatches 
by  the  ship  which  took  home  the  wife  of  General 
Gage. 

George  Washington  wrote  of  a  proposition  to 
bombard  Boston,  and  when  it  was  read  before  Con 
gress  a  solemn  silence  ensued.  Then  one  member 
made  the  motion  to  resolve  into  a  committee 
of  the  whole,  in  order  that  Mr.  Hancock  might 
give  his  opinion,  "  as  he  was  deeply  interested  from 
having  all  his  estate  in  Boston." 

After  Hancock  left  the  chair  he  addressed  the 
chairman  of  the  committee  of  the  whole  in  the 
following  words : 

''  It  is  true,  sir,  nearly  all  of  the  property  I 
have  in  the  world  is  in  houses  and  other  real 
estate  in  the  town  of  Boston ;  but,  if  the  expul 
sion  of  the  British  Army  from  it — and  the  liberties 
of  our  country  require  their  being  burnt  to  ashes — 
•issue  the  order  for  that  purpose  immediately?"' 

On  December  22d  Congress  passed  the  resolu 
tion  giving  power  to  George  Washington  and  his 
Council  of  War,  if  it  met  their  views,  to  make  an 
attack  on  that  city,  "  in  anv  manner  they  thought 
expedient,  notwithstanding  the  town  and  property 
in  it  may  be  destroyed." 

It  was  then  that  Hancock  wrote  his  "  memorable 
letter  to  Washington,"  in  which  he  said:  "  May 
God  crown  your  attempt  with  success.  I  most 
heartily  wish  it,  though  individually  I  may  be  the 
greatest  sufferer/'4 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  103 

A  man's  sincerity  can  be  judged  by  the  sacri 
fices  he  is  willing  to  make,  and  it  is  in  this  respect 
that  John  Hancock  stands  forth  pre-eminent.  It 
is  not  unprecedented  for  men  to  give  readily  and 
liberally  from  their  surplus,  and  some  bestow  a 
regular  stipend ;  but  how  many  are  willing  to  give 
or  sacrifice  all  that  they  have? 

It  was  now  Hancock's  task  to  break  to  his  young- 
wife  that  he,  who  was  one  of  the  largest  property- 
holders  in  Boston,  had  given  his  full  consent  that 
all  he  owned  should  be  burned  if  the  good  of  the 
people  required  it. 

This  announcement  fell  like  a  thunderbolt  on 
Mrs.  Hancock  and  greatly  depressed  her,  for 
not  only  the  husband's  property  was  in  danger, 
but  that  of  every  relative  in  Boston,  including 
her  father  and  brothers. 

With  all  her  charms,  persuasions,  arguments — 
and,  it  may  be,  with  tears — for  a  woman's  power 
at  times  lies  in  these  dewdrops — she  tried  to  move 
her  husband  from  his  purpose.  He  remained  in 
flexible  and  declared  that  he  was  willing  to  devote 
the  whole  of  his  property  in  Boston  if  for  the 
best  interests  of  his  country. 

Mrs.  Hancock,  for  diversion  from  this  sudden 
weight  of  oppression,  attended  a  Quaker  meet 
ing  for  the  first  time,  hoping  to  dispel  her  dejec 
tion.  She  found  herself  immured  in  profound 
silence,  and  sat  for  three  hours  in  an  over-heated 
room  under  most  harrowing  emotions.5 


i  »4  DOROTHY   QUINCY 

Dorothy  Quincy  Hancock,  who  until  this  time 
had  been  simply  a  *'  looker-on,"  was  in  reality  an 
ardent  patriot.  Her  father  and  husband  were 
harmoniously  sympathetic  in  regard  to  their  coun 
try,  and  all  that  she  had  heard  from  them  was 
ingrafted  and  treasured  deep  in  her  mind. 

Mrs.  Hancock  was  racked  with  harrowing  emo 
tions. 

She  struggled  to  counteract  a  rebellious  mood ; 
the  glamor  of  the  dazzling  future  paled  and  van 
ished.  But,  braced  by  strength  within,  she  con 
quered  by  degrees,  and,  with  commendable  forti 
tude,  resigned  herself  to  the  situation. 

Mrs.  Hancock,  who  was  "  a  great  admirer  of 
her  husband — never  a  reproach  to  a  wife  " — we 
are  told,  centered  herself  in  all  that  concerned  her 
liege  lord.  With  a  high  appreciation  of  his  prin 
ciples,  as  well  as  a  fond  attachment  to  him,  she 
had  been  gratified  that  his  courageous  declara 
tions  and  active  participation  in  all  the  struggles 
of  the  Massachusetts  colony  had  been  requited  by 
the  distinguished  position  of  President  of  the 
Congress.  But  how  much  more  the  readiness  to 
make  this  sweeping  sacrifice  redounded  to  his 
honor ! 

Dorothy's  pride  was  not  in  ancestry,  but  in  the 
man  who  had  made  a  name  for  himself  as  a  pro 
tector  of  the  people.  She  knew  that  his  love  for 
her  was  deep  and  unchangeable ;  but  the  progres 
sive  crises  filled  his  mind  and  absorbed  much  of 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  105 

his  time;  time  that  was  not  given  to  increase  nor 
save  his  wealth,  but  to  save  what  was  far  dearer 
to  him — his  country  and  the  claims  of  his  com 
patriots. 

She  had  seen  him,  with  satisfaction,  under 
every  emergency  rise  resolutely  to  meet  the  issue ; 
and,  as  has  been  said  of  John  Hancock,  "  He  was 
one  of  Massachusetts'  noblest  children,  and  af 
forded  an  exalted  example  of  devotedness  to  the 
cause  of  independence." 

Washington's  Council  finally  decided  that  "  the 
present  force  was  inadequate  to  an  attack,"  as  the 
term  of  enlistment  of  many  had  expired.  Those 
that  remained  were  enduring  every  species  of 
hardship,  and  there  was  a  great  dearth  of  powder. 
Still  the  cry  for  "  action  "  rang  through  the  coun 
try  from  those  comfortably  located  at  home. 

Franklin  had  written,  October  3d,  1775,  to  Dr. 
Priestly,  in  England,  giving  succinctly  this  state 
of  affairs :  "  Britain,  at  an  expense  of  £3,000,000, 
has  killed  one  hundred  and  fifty  Yankees  this  cam 
paign.  During  the  same  time  sixteen  thousand 
children  have  been  born  in  America/'6 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

ENGLAND'S  APPEAL  TO  EUROPE — HOWE  LEAVES  BOS 
TON — DUKE  OF  MANCHESTER  IN  PARLIAMENT — 
JUDGE  QUINCY'S  LETTER— AUNT  LYDIA'S  DEATH- 
DOROTHY  DUDLEY  PRAISES  THE  QUINCYS— BIRTH 
OF  A  DAUGHTER. 

The  colonists  had  been  most  subservient;  had 
with  great  humility  laid  before  their  Sovereign  the 
wrongs  inflicted  on  them.  These  pleas  remained 
unnoticed.  A  few  friends  in  Parliament  came  to 
their  support,  but  England,  confident  of  ultimate 
success,  continued  dull  to  all  warnings  and  per 
severed  in  her  efforts  to  humble  and  subdue  her 
far-away  subjects. 

Then  the  spirit  of  rebellion  was  fired,  and  the 
colonists  devised  such  measures  as  would  show 
they  were  in  earnest.  "  The  newspapers/'  as  was 
said  by  Lafayette,  "  became  powerful  instruments 
to  aid  the  Revolution."  They  wrote  freely  and 
men  acted  openly. 

Britain  also  resorted  to  other  methods,  as  is 
shown  by  this  extract  from  a  Philadelphia  letter, 
January  31,  1776: 

""  The  whining  King  of  Great  Britain  has  sup 
plicated  all  the  powers  of  Europe  to  forbid  their 
subjects  supplying  the  cowardly  Americans  with 


DOROTHY   QU1NCY  107 

powder  or  arms.  Among  the  rest,  we  find  by  one 
late  paper  that  the  King  of  Denmark  has  gratified 
him  by  issuing  a  proclamation  or  order  for  that 
purpose!"1 

Massachusetts  at  last  saw  a  gleam  of  hope  when 
the  Essex  Gazette  published,  March  21,  1776,  that 
"  The  British  Army  under  General  Howe,  con 
sisting  of  upward  of  seven  thousand  men,  after 
suffering  an  ignominious  blockade  for  many 
months  past,  disgracefully  quitted  all  their  strong 
holds  in  Boston  and  Charlestown,  fled  from  before 
the  Army  of  the  United  Colonies  and  took  refuge 
on  board  their  ships. 

'*'  The  greater  number  of  the  evacuated  houses 
had  been  pillaged,  the  furniture  broken  and  many 
buildings  destroyed.  It  is  worthy  of  notice,  how 
ever,  that  the  buildings  belonging  to  the  Hon. 
Mr.  Hancock,  particularly  his  elegant  mansion 
house,  were  left  in  good  order.  But  the  lining 
of  his  chariot  was  torn  out  and  carried  away. 
All  the  linen,  woolen  goods,  except  some  that 
might  be  secreted,  were  carried  off  by  the  enemy. 
All  the  salt  and  molasses  which  they  could  find 
were  destroyed. 

'  They  also  destroyed  great  quantities  of  effects 
belonging  to  themselves  which  they  could  not 
carry  away.  The  joy  of  our  friends  in  Boston,  on 
seeing  the  victorious  and  gallant  troops  of  their 
country  enter  the  town  almost  at  the  heels  of 


io8  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

their  barbarous  oppressors,  was  inexpressibly 
great." 

Boston  was  left  in  a  filthy  condition,  with 
small-pox  raging. 

During  the  eleven  months  the  troops  had  been 
quartered  there  the  result  was  unsatisfactory  to 
England.  The  Duke  of  Manchester  spoke,  in  a 
warm  debate  at  the  session  of  Parliament,  May  10: 

"  To  come  now,  my  Lords,  to  that  which  has 
cast  the  deepest  stain  on  the  glory  of  the  British 
arms;  to  that  which  must  rouse  the  indignation 
of  all  who  feel  for  her  disgrace,  etc.,  the  army  of 
Britain,  equipped  with  every  essential  of  war,  a 
chosen  army,  with  officers,  backed  by  the  power  of 
a  mighty  fleet,  sent  to  correct  revolted  subjects; 
sent  to  chastise  a  resisting  city;  sent  to  assert 
Britain's  authority,  has  for  many  tedious  months 
been  imprisoned  within  that  town  by  the  Provin 
cial  Army,  who,  by  their  watchful  guards,  per 
mitted  them  no  inlet  to  the  country;  who  braved 
all  their  efforts  and  defied  all  that  their  skill  and 
abilities  in  war  could  ever  attempt.  *  *  Brit 
ish  generals,  whose  names  never  met  with  a  blot 
of  dishonor,  are  forced  to  quit  that  town,  which 
was  the  first  object  of  the  war;  the  immediate 
cause  of  hostilities;  the  place  of  arms  which  has 
cost  this  nation  more  than  a  million  to  defend."2 

Mrs.  Hancock  received  from  her  father,  March 
25,  a  long  letter  wherein  he  informed  her  of  the 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  109 

sister— Mrs.  Sewell's— safe  arrival  at  London.  He 
continues : 

•4  I  rejoice  to  find  Mr.  Hancock's  strength  holds  out, 
so  as  to  permit  his  very  close  attention  to  business  of 
greatest  moment  ;  that  the  colonies  or  either  of  them 
have  had  any  concern  with,  of  no  less  importance  than 
whether  they  or  their  posterity  shall  be  freemen  or 
slaves.  .  .  .  Pray  God  to  afford  all  needed  wisdom 
to  ye  council  in  their  debates  and  resolves  upon  ye 
important  subject.  It  is  my  real  opinion  ye  set  time  w 
come  wherein  Providence  has  appointed  the  flourishing 
states  to  withdraw  themselves  from  ye  control  of  all 
others  for  wise  reasons,  which  will  be  manifest  in  due 
time  to  those  who  may  survive  ye  expected  political 
changes  in  this  Western  Hemisphere  of  ye  globe.  . 
The  preservation  of  Boston,  so  far  as  it  is  preserved, 
is  a  signal  favor  of  Heaven,  tho'  many  are  egregious 
sufferers.  Your  brother  and  his  son,  Stedman,  in 
whose  dwelling  were  left  officers— men  of  singular 
honor! 

"  By  the  same  rank  of  miscreants  have  many  had 
their  houses  ransacked.  .  .  .  May  we  deserve  a 
continuance  of  the  protection  of  Heaven,  and  may  there 
be  soon  an  accommodation  or  separation  of  ye  younger 
from  ye  older  states.  The  last  I  expect  will  be  the 
necessary  effect  of  ye  unnatural  treatment  we  have  re 
ceived. 

"  You  see  my  paper  is  full,  and,  I  suppose,  you  tired  ; 
and,  therefore,  close  with  love  and  best  wishes  of  every 
real  good  from,  dear  child, 

"  Your  affectionately  concerned  parent, 

"  EDMUND  QuiNCY."3 

The  wanton  and  universal  devastation  to  prop 
erty  by  the  British  soldiers  obliged  many  who  had 
lived  in  affluence — gentlemen  reared  in  luxury — 
to  seek  any  avocation  that  would  bring  relief  for 
the  time  being  to  their  families.  The  exultation 
of  the  citizens  was  universal  at  the  departure  of 
British  troops  from  Boston,  which  enabled  them 


"o  DOROTHY   QU1NCY 

to  endure  with  greater  equanimity  their  other  mis 
fortunes. 

A  Thanksgiving  proclamation   was   issued,   in 
April,  and  one  of  the  journalists  wrote :     "  May 
America  remember  the  memorable  i;th  of  Marcli, 
1776,  when  the  proud  British  troops,  at  Boston.' 
precipitately  embarked    on    board   the  fleet  and 
quickly  left  the  harbor— memorable  for  its  being 
the  first  place  attacked  and  devoted  to  destruction 
by  the  enemies  of  American  freedom."4 
Howe  was  next  heard  of  before  New  York. 
The  latter  part  of  April  a  great  sorrow  befell 
the  Hancocks.     They  lost  their  much-loved  aunt. 
John  Adams  writes,  "  to  whom  Hancock  was  most 
affectionate,  dutiful  and  respectful,"  and.  added 
to  his  grief,  was  the  inability  to  reach  her  in  time 
to  "  take  his  farewell  of  one  who  had  been  almost 
a  mother." 

A  New  England  paper  published  the  following- 
notice  : 

"  FAIRFIELD.  April  26.  1776. 

Han  est^rdY  dief  uereV  after  a  short  illness>  Mrs.  Lydia 
RnS  A  rCt  °f,the  Hon'  Thomas  Hancock.  Esq  .  of 

\nrii  i,  A  few  days  before  the  memorable  iqth  of 
April  she  retired  from  her  pleasant  seat  in  that  town  and 

F,n  lonf  afteYame  *°  the  house  of  Thaddeus  Burr. 
ijq.,  o,  this  place,  a  family  with  which  she  had  Ion* 
been  peculiarly  intimate,  and  amidst  whose  tenderest 
offices  of  friendship  she  expired 

nla^HehWp  th?.deli»1?t  of  a]1  who  saw  her,  and,  being 
StSULS  Evidence  m  an  elevated  situation,  the  more 

adm'    d  ^^  3n  m°re  Was  she  loved  and 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  IIX 

"  The  quick  approach  of  death  would  not  allow  her  to 
be  attended  in  her  last  moments  by  her  nephew,  the 
Hon.  John  Hancock,  Esq.,  President  of  the  American 
Congress,  who  was  happy  in  being  educated  by  her  from 
his  early  childhood,  and  the  object  of  her  fondest  affec 
tion  on  this  side  of  heaven." 

The  Hancocks'  keen  suffering  at  the  death  of 
Aunt  Lydia,  and  Mrs.  Hancock's  delicate  condi 
tion,  led  them  to  ask  for  a  visit  from  her  sister. 

Judge  Quincy  wrote  to  his  daughter  Kate,  May 
27,  1776:  "  As  you  are  called,  in  the  Providence 
of  God,  to  take  so  long  a  journey  from  hence  to 
Philadelphia,  at  ye  request  of  Mr.  Hancock  and  ye 
sister,"  that  he  wished  to  have  the  earliest  notice 
uf  her  safe  arrival  and  of  her  sister's  state  of 
health. 

It  was  a  formidable  trip  to  make;  the  roads 
were  rough,  and  it  was  "  varied  by  the  occasional 
episode  of  an  upset."  Their  friend,  Mr.  Brant, 
attended  as  escort. 

Dorothy  Dudley's  diary  includes  this  letter  of 
hers  to  Miss  Livingstone :  "  I  am  glad  you  have 
so  warm  a  friendship  with  Mrs.  Hancock.  Her 
elder  sister,  Miss  Kate  Quincy,  is  to  go  to  Phila 
delphia  in  a  few  weeks,  and  I  hope  you  will  make 
her  acquaintance.  *  *  Mrs.  Judge  Sewell,  you 
know,  is  another  sister.  They  are  a  charming 
family:  and  Mr.  Quincy  is  a  devoted  father, 
warmly  beloved  by  them  all."6 

In  a  former  letter  she  had  also  written  of  Mrs. 
Hancock:  "  Is  she  not  charming?  One.  cannot 


H2  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

wonder  at  Madame  Lydia  Hancock's  fondness  for 
her,  and  her  resolve  to  secure  the  treasure  for  her 
nephew." 

Esther  Livingstone  and  Kate  Quincy  became 
more  than  acquaintances,  and  the  daughter's  ad 
miration  for  the  father  was  shared  by  her  friend, 
Miss  Livingstone,  to  whom  she  often  loaned  the 
letters  of  Judge  Quincy  to  read. 

Miss  Kate,  who  had  been  one  of  the  bright  stars 
of  the  Boston  Assemblies  in  1751,  was  now  to  be 
absorbed  in  a  serious,  silent  study  of  calculations, 
instituted  for  amusement;  she  was  to  be  installed 
as  a  whist  partner,  listening  to  no  more  frothy  talk 
sparkling  with  champagne  bubbles. 

A  gleam  of  sunshine  brightened  the  home  of 
the  Hancocks.  It  was  the  birth  of  a  daughter, 
whom  they  named  ct  Lydia." 


LYDIA    HENCHMAN    HANCOCK. 
(  Daughter  of  Governor  and  Mrs.  Hancock.  > 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

REPEAL  OF  THE  STAMP  ACT— LETTERS  OF  JUDGE 
QUINCY— HANCOCK'S  HOSPITALITY— INVITES  GEN 
ERAL  AND  MRS.  WASHINGTON  TO  VISIT  HIM— JOHN 
ADAMS'  OPINION  OF  HANCOCK  AS  GENERAL  OF  THE 
FORCES. 

Great  preparations  were  made  in  Boston  for  pro 
tection  should  the  British  return ;  and  "  almost 
every  able-bodied  inhabitant  had  voluntarily  en 
gaged  to  work  two  days  in  a  week  for  six  weeks 
on  the  fortifications  for  the  general  defense/'1 

On  the  iQth  of  May,  however,  all  work  was  sus 
pended  to  celebrate  the  repeal  of  the  Stamp  Act : 
and  such  reveling  and  rejoicing  had  never  before 
been  observed !  "  Hancock's  house  was  brilliant 
with  lights,  and  in  front  a  stage  was  built  from 
which  fireworks  were  exhibited." 

One  of  the  chronicler's  relates,  "  Under  this 
hospitable  roof  was  entertained  the  genteel  part 
of  the  town,  while  the  crowd  outside  were  treated 
with  a  pipe  of  Madeira  wine  of  his  own  importa 
tion." 

Judge  Quincy,  who  had  many  causes  for  solici 
tude,  seems  to  have  sought  relief  in  letter-writing, 
and  became  an  active  correspondent. 


H4  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

From  Lancaster,  May  27,  1776,  he  says:  *  * 
"  Still  may  our  confidence  be  placed  on  Him  who 
is  ye  confidence  of  all  the  ends  of  the  earth ;  His 
arm  alone  can  and  will  save  us,  as  He  has  often 
done  our  fathers  in  this  land  when  little  better 
than  a  howling  desert"2 

The  1 8th  of  June,  in  a  letter  to  Rev.  Jacob  Bige- 
low,  he  writes  of  the  late  feeble  and  unprepared 
colonies  of  America,  "  which  I  think,  by  the  will 
of  Heaven,  are  fast  rising  into  states,  which, 
under  ye  protection  of  ye  God  of  Armies,  may 
become  objects  of  ye  closest  European  attention 
and  commercial  attraction ;  and  these  things  seem 
not  to  be  distant."3 

To  his  dear  daughter  Hancock  he  tells  that  her 
brother  was  fired  with  the  war  spirit,  and  would 
like  to  have  gone  had  his  wife's  health  permitted. 
He  wanted  to  sell  the  negro  girl,  Polly,  who  gave 
them  much  trouble;  and  thought  she  would  be  a 
better  servant  with  a  master  not  so  lenient.  He 
was  anxiously  watching  for  the  return  of  his 
daughter  Kate,  who  in  Philadelphia  rose  from  a 
bed  of  sickness  with  her  face  marked  and  marred 
by  small-pox. 

In  other  letters  he  is  most  laudatory  of  his  son- 
in-law  Hancock,  whose  fine  qualities  he  heartily 
appreciated ;  and  to  the  loved  Dorothy  he  gives  the 
counsel  "  to  keep  a  level  head."  And  to  Mr. 
Brant  he  writes  that  more  men  like  John  Hancock 
are  wanted  to  inspire  the  whole  by  their  example. 


DOROTHY   QUINCY  115 

Old  letters !  touch  them  gently,  yellow  with  age, 
and  brown;  spotted,  stained  and  faded;  torn  and 
ragged  with  time's  creases — letters  of  sorrow,  let 
ters  of  joy,  tear-dimmed  or  pressed  with  warm 
kisses — bearers  of  hope  or  despair,  revealing  emo 
tions  of  good- will  and  of  ill,  betraying  tortures 
of  pain  or  billows  of  pleasure.  The  hands  that 
wrote  them  were  once  glowing  with  life ;  the  eyes 
that  perused  them  bright  with  light.  The  old 
letters !  Touch  them  reverently  as  they  sweep  aside 
the  mists  of  the  past ! 

President  Hancock's  office  entailed  on  him  con 
tinuous  and  general  hospitality,  which,  with  the 
aid  of  his  wife,  he  graciously  and  unsparingly 
dispensed.  This  was  from  his  own  purse,  for  not 
until  later  did  Congress  allow  the  President  an 
income  to  support  his  position  and  maintain  his 
''  household  expenses."4 

Congress,  on  the  iQth  of  May,  summoned  Wash 
ington  to  Philadelphia.  Hancock  wrote  to  him 
urging  a  speedy  attendance  on  Congress,  and  said, 
"  I  request  the  favor  that  you  will  please  to  honor 
me  with  your  and  your  lady's  company  at  my 
home/'  and  that  every  endeavor  on  his  part  and 
Mrs.  Hancock's  would  be  exerted  to  make  their 
stay  agreeable. 

In  a  later  letter  he  writes  that  "  Mrs.  Washing 
ton  may  be  as  retired  as  she  pleases  while  under 
inoculation.  *  *  *  The  house  is  large  and 


n6  DOROTHY  QU1NCY 

roomy ;  it  will  be  entirely  in  your  power  to  live  in 
that  manner  you  should  wish." 

Mrs.  Lamb  states  this  cordial  invitation  was  ac 
cepted,  and  General,  with  Mrs.  Washington  en 
joyed  the  hospitality  of  President  Hancock  fifteen 
days.5 

In  February  Hancock  had  been  appointed 
Major-General  of  the  Massachusetts  Militia.  Some 
surprise  was  evinced  that  Adams  had  not  advo 
cated  him  for  command  of  the  Army.  This  is 
accounted  for  in  his  writings,  where  he  says : 
"John  Hancock's  exertions,  sacrifices  and  general 
merits  in  the  cause  of  his  country  had  been  incom 
parably  greater  than  those  of  Colonel  Washing 
ton;  but  he  was  in  delicate  health,  and  his  entire 
want  of  experience  in  active  service,  though  an 
excellent  military  officer,  were  decided  objections 
to  his  being  appointed  General  of  the  forces."6 

The  hour  advanced  that  was  to  usher  in  one  of 
the  most  momentous  revolutions  of  modern  times. 
Undivided  attention  was  riveted  on  that  band  of 
staunch  patriots  in  Philadelphia,  awaiting  the  de 
cision  which  was  to  form  an  epoch  of  success  or 
failure  in  American  history. 

One  historian  writes :  '  The  people  of  the 
North  had  been  trained  to  investigate  constitu 
tional  principles.  They  were  sensitive  to  every 
encroachment  upon  their  rights. 

"  At  the  South  and  Middle  States  a  different 
spirit  prevailed.  The  idea  of  independence  was 


DOROTHY   QUINCY  117 

for  a  long  time  as  unpalatable  as  the  Stamp  Act 
itself."7 

But,  though  some  of  the  states  were  slow  to 
accept  the  change,  ultimately  a  unity  of  sentiment 
prevailed,  and  they  strove  together  for  the  same 
end,  with  resistance  for  their  cry. 


CHAPTER  XViil. 

DECLARATION  OF  INDEPENDENCE — WINTHROF  DE 
SCRIBES  HANCOCK  —  RECEPTION  OF  THE  NEWS — 
THE  HANCOCKS'  HAPPINESS  IMPRESSES  ADAMS — 
BOSTON  AND  NEW  YORK  JUBILANT  —  HANCOCK'S 
NAME  GIVEN  TO  SHIPS  AND  CHILDREN — EXTRACTS 
FROM  JUDGE  QUINCY'S  LETTERS  —  HANCOCK 
WRITES  TO  WASHINGTON. 

In  Philadelphia  there  had  congregated  the  arbi 
ters  of  the  colonies'  fate ;  and  Thomas  Jefferson's 
paper  declaring  independence  was  unanimously 
adopted  the  4th  of  July,  1776.  after  some  debate 
and  a  few  changes. 

Hancock  had  exclaimed,  "  We  must  be  unani 
mous:  there  must  be  no  pulling  different  ways!" 

"  Yes,"  answered  Franklin,  "  we  must  all  hang 
together  or,  most  assuredly,  we  must  all  hang 
separately!"1 

John  Hancock  was  the  first  to  place  his  bold 
signature  to  the  Declaration  of  Independence;  and 
alone  that  signature  went  forth  to  the  public.2 
"  He  had  signed  his  name  upon  a  document  which, 
at  the  time,  in  the  estimation  of  thousands,  was 
as  likely  to  prove  his  death  warrant  as  his  pass 
port  to  fame."3  Then  "  Congress  ordered  it  to  be 
entered  at  length  upon  the  journals;  and  it  was 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  119 

also  ordered  to  be  engrossed  upon  parchment  for 
the  delegates  to  sign."4 

Winthrop  describes  Hancock  on  this  occasion : 
"  Forty  years  of  age,  with  a  princely  fortune  at 
stake,  and  a  price  upon  his  head,  sitting  there  in 
all  the  calm  composure  and  dignity  which  so  pecu 
liarly  characterized  him,  and  which  nothing 
seemed  able  to  relax  or  ruffle.  Behold  him !  He 
has  risen  for  a  moment.  He  has  put  the  ques 
tion — Declaration  is  adopted!" 

A  throng  of  eager  souls  packed  the  streets 
around  the  old  hall,  anxious  and  expectant,  wait 
ing  for  news — rilled  with  forebodings  or  with  con 
fidence,  attentively  alert  to  every  sound,  every 
move  from  where  were  assembled  the  men  whose 
fiat  was  to  make  multitudes  tremble  at  its  bold 
ness. 

The  announcement  was  made — %'  Independ 
ence  !"  What  a  cry  was  that  to  ring  from  one  end 
of  the  colonies  to  the  other!  How  it  made  the 
blood  tingle ;  how  the  brain  reeled  at  the  thought. 
"  Independence !"  rose  on  the  air,  resounding  and 
resounding  wherever  there  was  a  voice  to  carry  it. 

Quivering  with  joy,  frantic  shouts  greeted  that 
welcome  word — a  word  that  broke  the  chain  of 
thraldom  and  winged  the  thoughts  on  to  the  bor 
der  of  beatitude. 

They  rushed  and  swayed  through  the  crowd  to 
the  King's  arms,  which  was  seized  and  committed 
to  a  bon-fire  before  the  Courthouse;  and  the  sad 


120  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

hearts  were  to  be  found  only  among  the  English 
sympathizers. 

Abbe  Reynal  wrote  in  his  "  Essay  on  the  Revo 
lution  in  America/'  1781 :  "  With  what  grandeur, 
with  what  enthusiasm  shall  I  speak  of  those  gen 
erous  men  who  erected  this  grand  edifice  by  their 
patience,  their  wisdom  and  their  courage.  *  *  * 
Hancock,  Franklin,  and  the  two  Adamses  were 
the  greatest  actors  in  this  affecting  scene ;  but  they 
were  not  the  only  ones.  Posterity  shall  know  them 
all.  *  Brass  and  marble  shall  show  them  to 
.remotest  ages/'5 

No  one  shared  more  in  the  general  joy  at  this 
final  severance  from  Great  Britain  than  Mrs. 
Hancock,  for  there  was  marked  unanimity  of  sen 
timent  between  herself  and  her  husband.  Their 
continued  devotion  to  each  other  impelled  John 
Adams  to  write  to  his  wife  that  he  would  never 
come  to  Philadelphia  again  without  her,  "  and  we 
will  be  as  happy  as  Mr.  Hancock  and  his  lady." 

The  people  of  Boston  were  thrown  into  trans 
ports  of  wild  delight  when  they  heard  "proclaimed 
from  the  balcony  of  the  State  House  the  Declara 
tion  of  the  American  Congress  absolving  the 
united  colonies  from  their  allegiance  to  the  British 
crown,  and  declaring  them  FREE  and  INDEPEND 
ENT  STATES/' 

In  the  evening,  moved  by  the  same  impulse  as 
in  Philadelphia,  down  toppled  every  insignia  of 
royalty  or  any  resemblance  to  it,  whether  "  Lion 


JOHN    HANCOCK. 
(From  an  oil  paiuting  by  Copley.) 


DOROTHY   QU1NCY  iai 

and  Crown,  Pestle  and  Mortar  and  Crown,  Heart 
and  Crown,  etc.,  together  with  every  sign  that  be 
longed  to  a  Tory ;  and  King's  street  was  ablaze 
with  its  general  conflagration."6  The  work  of  de 
struction  was  carried  out  on  everything  pertaining 
to  a  British  emblem  and  rule.  In  New  York  they 
pulled  down  the  equestrian  statute  of  George  III. 
and  broke  it  into  pieces,  making  bullets  of  it  later. 

A  play  was  written  and  performed,  entitled 
"The  Fall  of  British  Tyranny;  or,  American  Lib 
erty  Triumphant."  "  The  First  Campaign,  a 
tragic  comedy  of  five  acts,  containing  twenty-six 
Scenets.  *  *  A  much  admired  performance, 
truly  dramatic." 

To  the  many,  the  name  of  Hancock  possessed 
magic.  A  letter  from  Albany,  July  15th,  an 
nounces  :  "  Lately  was  launched  at  Newburyport. 
the  second  continental  frigate  of  thirty-six  guns, 
named  the  Hancock."  Then  a  Philadelphia  pri 
vateer  was  named  Hancock,  "  a  large  ship  of 
twenty  guns." 

The  following  unique  article  is  from  the  New 
York  Gazette  and  Mercury }  June  24th,  1776: 


"  On  the  2d  inst.  was  baptized  at  Ripton,  in  Startford. 
in  Connecticut,  a  son  of  Benjamin  De  Forest,  merchant, 
by  name  of  John  Hancock,  put  of  respect  to  that  honor 
able  and  truly  noble  patriot,  now  President  of  that 
august  assembly,  the  Congress,  who  is  an  illustrious 
pattern  of  patriotism;  a  bold  asserter  of  his  country's 
rights;  the  envy  of  despotic  rulers;  who,  by  his  merit, 
has  risen  to  his  exalted  station,  and  who  has  obtained  the 


122  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

undissembled  affection  of  all  true  lovers  of  American 
liberty.  This  name  will  make  a  pleasing  sound  in  the 
ears  of  unborn  posterity." 

And,  so  from  all  over  the  country  his  fond  wife 
had  the  glad  tidings  of  Hancock's  popularity. 

Judge  Quincy,  in  a  letter  the  2ist  of  July, 
writes : 

'*  The  Declaration  was  well  timed  to  meet  Howe  on 
his  first  arrival,  as  he  left  Great  Britain  under  expecta 
tion  of  doing  much  toward  reconciliation,  with  full 
power  of  pardoning  rebels.  So  much  strength,  union 
and  resolution  in  ye  colonies  must  have  given  him  a 
shock  when  he  would  not  have  expected  from  any  of  ye 
worthy  Dr.  Franklin's  experiments.  *  :  *  Surprising 
is  ye  spirit  of  freedom  in  these  thirteen  independent 
states,  which  in  a  few  years  may  eclipse  ye  fame  of  ye 
late  proudest  state  in  Europe.  I  thank  ye  for  ye  Con 
gress  Declaration  of  Independence.  Never  have  I  read 
a  public  paper  with  more  satisfaction.  I  trust  ye  happy 
consequences  of  ye  measure  may  afford  the  clearest  evi 
dence  of  its  maturity  and  wisdom."8 

From  Judge  Quincy's  quiet  retreat  his  thoughts 
took  a  prescient  vein.  July  22,  1776,  he  wrote  to 
his  son :  "  Singular  has  been  Mr.  Hancock's  cour 
age,  resolution  and  activity  to  ye  important  Fourth 
Currt,  when  he,  at  ye  head  of  thirteen  American 
states,  after  ye  most  solemn  debate  and  delibera 
tion,  resolved  that  these  states  were  then  free  and 
independent  and  absolved  from  all  allegiance  to  ye 
British  crown."9 

Again,  November  14,  1776,  we  find  him  writing 
to  his  son  Edmund :  "  If  ye  people  of  these 
favored  states  will  but  realize  the  blessings  they 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  123 

enjoy,  and  resolve  to  improve  them  by  economy, 
industry  and  virtue,  I  have  no  doubt  but  this 
Western  Hemisphere  will  be  equally  renowned  in 
less  than  one  hundred  years  with  any  part  of  ye 
Eastern;  perhaps  much  more." 

Here  is  one  of  Hancock's  letters  to  Washington 
on  the  times,  September  24,  1776: 

"  Let  us  convince  our  enemies  that,  as  we  entered 
into  the  present  contest  for  the  defense  of  our  liberties, 
so  we  are  resolved,  with  the  firmest  reliance  on  Heaven, 
for  the  justice  of  our  cause,  never  to  relinquish  it;  but 
rather  to  perish  in  the  ruins  of  it. 

"  If  we  do  but  remain  firm, — if  we  are  not  dismayed 
at  the  little  shocks  of  fortune,  and  are  determined  at  all 
hazards,  that  we  will  be  free — I  am  persuaded,  under 
the  gracious  smiles  of  Providence,  assisted  by  our  most 
strenuous  endeavors,  we  shall  finally  succeed  agreeably 
to  our  wishes,  and  thereby  establish  the  independence, 
the  happiness  and  the  glory  of  the  United  States  of 
America."10 

Mrs.  Hanqock  and  her  sister  were  delayed  in 
Philadelphia,  as  the  roads  were  unsafe ;  and  Octo 
ber  6,  1776,  Judge  Quincy  wrote  to  Hancock  that 
he  heard  his  two  daughters  were  to  take  the  jour 
ney  north,  and  advises  them  to  cross  thirty  or 
forty  miles  above  New  York  in  consequence  of 
the  danger.  The  anxious  father  had  already,  for 
fourteen  days,  been  expecting  "  Daughter  Han 
cock,"  and  was  looking  forward  to  her  early  ar 
rival.  He  had  made  a  trip  to  Boston,  where  were 
very  few  of  his  old  friends  or  acquaintances,  and 
fewer  relatives. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

DEBATES  IN  PARLIAMENT—PRIVATEERS— -CONGRESS  IN 
BALTIMORE— DINNERS— JOHN  HANCOCK'S  RETURN 
TO  PHILADELPHIA  —  LETTERS  TO  WIFE  —  LIFE 
WITHOUT  "  DOLLY  "—HER  ARRIVAL— REPLY  TO 
AN  ACROSTIC  ON  HANCOCK'S  NAME. 

The  year  1777  opened  under  the  new  regime 
replete  with  disquietude  and  restlessness,  but  not 
discouragement.  Lord  and  General  Howe,  in 
their  letters  to  their  Government,  forcibly  report 
ed  that  "  it  was  in  vain  to  contest  with  the  Amer 
icans.  Their  enthusiasm  was  such  that,  if  they 
were  subdued  for  the  moment  in  one  corner,  they 
will  break  out  in  another.  It  is  Cadmean  work." 

In  Parliament  there  were  spirited  debates  on 
both  sides.  Some  were  in  favor  of  the  relinquish- 
ment  of  the  colonies.  *'  What  is  the  means  of 
conciliation  held  out  by  Howe?"  said  one  member. 
"  Nothing  but  absolute,  unconditional  submission 
on  the  part  of  the  states/'  "  It  meant  nothing  but 
the  privilege  of  being  absolutely  governed  and 
taxed  by  the  British  Parliament."  The  debates 
are  curious  reading  at  this  day. 

May  26th,  in  the  House  of  Commons,  a  noble 
man,  Lord  Ongley,  declared  as  his  belief,  "  that  the 
granting  independence  to  America  would  be  the 


DOROTHY   QUINCY  125 

only  means  of  securing  peace  with  her."  And 
Sir  William  Meredith  condemned  this  course:  "If 
it  meant  to  give  sanction  to  His  Majesty  to  agree 
to  the  independence  of  America,  no  Englishman 
nor  sensible  American  could  agree  to  it.  Inde 
pendency  would  be  fatal  to  both  countries;  in  its 
nature  it  would  be  productive  of  ruin  to  both." 

February  of  this  year  an  addition  was  made  of 
eighteen  privateers  to  the  service,  which  were 
fitted  out  from  Marblehead,  Mass.;  and  ninety- 
six  from  New  England.  John  Hancock  was  pre 
sented  with  an  elegant  coach  from  the  owners  of 
the  privateer  Civil  Usage,  of  Newburyport,  which 
had  been  taken  in  one  of  their  prizes;  and  was 
given  "  as  a  token  of  their  respect  for  that  gentle 
man,  who  has  so  nobly  distinguished  himself  in 
the  present  contest  with  Great  Britain  as  the  friend 
of  his  country/'1 

In  consequence  of  fears  excited  from  the  prox 
imity  of  the  Hessians,  who  had  taken  possession 
of  Burlington,  N.  J.,  Congress  adjourned  to  Balti 
more,  and  the  Philadelphians,  in  great  alarm  and 
confusion,  with  the  exception  of  the  Quakers, 
moved  their  families  out  of  the  city. 

The  Hancocks  had  their  effects  transported  to 
Baltimore.  Here  they  were  cordially  welcomed 
with  dinners  and  many  entertainments  from  the 
hospitable  residents. 

John  Adams,  writing  to  his  wife,  February  21, 


126  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

1777,  thus  speaks  of  a  banquet  given  by  Mr.  Pur- 
viance : 

"We  had  a  brilliant  company;  the  two  Purviances. 
the  two  Lees,  the  ladies  of  the  two  Colonels  R.  H.  and 
F.,  Mrs.  Hancock,  Miss  Katy,  a  young  lady  that  belongs 
to  the  family.  If  this  letter,  like  some  other  wise  ones, 
should  be  intercepted,  I  suppose  I  shall  be  called  to 
account  for  not  adjusting  the  rank  of  these  ladies  a  little 
better.  Mr.  Hancock,  the  two  Colonel  Lees,  Colonel 
Whipple,  Colonel  Page,  Colonel  Ewing  and  the  two 
Purviances,  and  a  young  gentleman."2 

This  conveys  an  impression  of  strictly  enforced 
etiquette  which  George  Washington  had  contend 
ed  with  at  his  headquarters,  where  any  deviation 
from  its  rules  also  caused  "  bad  feeling  and  jeal 
ousy."3 

The  latter  part  of  the  month  Congress  again 
met  in  Philadelphia,  where  Hancock  returned 
without  his  wife  and  became  absorbed  in  work. 
It  has  been  said  of  him  that  "  he  was  unremitting 
in  his  application  to  business,  and  his  correspond 
ence  while  President  of  Congress  is  rich  in  patri 
otic  fervor."4 

Hancock,  whose  allegiance  to  his  wife  was  as 
strong  as  to  his  country,  hastened  in  advance, 
alone,  to  his  house,  which  was  then  totally  devoid 
of  comfort  and  conveniences.  He  portrays  this 
bachelor  life  in  letters  to  "  Dear  Dolly,"  from 
which  I  take  a  few  extracts. 

In  a  long  epistle  "  March  10,  1777,  ten  o'clock, 
evening,"  which  he  numbers  (4)  and  begins, 
"  My  Dear,  Dear  Dolly,"  he  relates  his  detention 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  127 

at  the  ferry,  and  that  Mrs.  Smith  had  sent  him 
two  blankets,  a  table  cloth,  tea,  sugar,  loaf  of 
bread  and  cream;  and  says,  "  Indeed,  Mrs.  Smith 
obliged  me  much.  I  however,  lead  a  doleful,  lone 
some  life,  though  on  Saturday  I  dined  at  Dr.  Ship- 
pen's;  he  desires  his  regards.  He  is  as  lonesome 
as  I  am.  On  Sunday  I  sat  down  to  dinner  at  the 
little  table  with  Folger,  on  a  piece  of  roast  beef, 
with  potatoes.  We  drank  your  health  with  all  our 
Baltimore  friends." 

John  Hancock  spends  his  evenings  at  home. 
Has  to  snuff  the  candle  with  a  pair  of  scissors,  as 
the  household  equipments  had  not  started  from 
Baltimore ! 

A  compassionate  friend  comes  to  his  relief  and 
leaves  him  a  pair  of  snuffers. 

He  continues : 

''  Seeing  me  dip  the  gravy  out  of  the  dish  with  my 
pewter  teaspoon,  she  sent  me  a  large  silver  spoon  and 
two  teaspoons,  so  that  I  am  quite  rich.  *  *  *  I  shall 
make  out  as  well  as  I  can,  but  I  assure  you,  my  dear 
soul,  I  long  to  have  you  here;  and  I  know  you  will  be 
as  expeditious  as  you  can.  When  I  part  from  you  again 
it  must  be  a  very  extraordinary  occasion." 

He  encloses  a  sash  for  the  baby  and  two  little 
papers  of  pins.  He  writes  : 

"  However  unsettled  things  may  be,  I  could  not  help 
sending  for  you,  as  I  cannot  live  in  this  way.  *  *  * 
This  you  may  depend  on — that  you  will  be  ever  the 
object  of  my  utmost  care  and  attention.  I  hope  you  will 
be  able  to  pack  up  all  your  things  quickly  and  that  you 
will  soon  follow. 


128  DOROTHY   QUINCY 

"  1  want  you  to  get  somebody  clever  to  accompany 
you.  Take  good  care  of  Lydia.  I  hope  no  accident  will 
happen." 

He  suggests  all  the  arrangements  for  her  relief 
and  ease  while  traveling,  closing  with  : 

"  May  every  blessing  of  an  indulgent  Providence  at 
tend  you.  I  most  sincerely  wish  you  a  good  journey, 
and  hope  I  shall  soon,  very  soon,  have  the  happiness  of 
seeing  you.  With  the  utmost  affection  and  love,  ^  my 
dear  Dolly,  I  am  yours  forever,  JOHN  HANCOCK."' 

"  Mrs.  Washington  got  here  on  Saturday.  I  went  to 
see  her.  She  told  me  she  drank  tea  with  you." 

The  next  day  another  letter  is  despatched: 
March  n — "No  Congress  today,  and  I  have  been 
as  busily  employed  as  you  can  conceive."  He 
dilates  on  his  solitude,  which  should  be  bright 
ened  as  speedily  as  possible,  and  that  depended  on 
his  "  dearest  Dolly,"  and  the  greater  despatch  she 
made  the  sooner  would  be  his  relief.  "  I  have  sent 
off  Harry,  McClosky  and  Dennis  this  morning 
with  horses  and  wagons  as  winged  messengers  to 
bring  you.  God  grant  you  a  speedy  and  safe  jour 
ney  to  me." 

His  careful  thought  and  provision  for  others  is 
shown  when  he  writes,  "  Should  any  gentlemen 
and  ladies  accompany  you  out  of  town  do  send 
McClosky  forward  to  order  a  handsome  dinner, 
and  I  beg  you  will  pay  every  expense.  Order 
McClosky  to  direct  the  landlord  not  to  receive  a 
single  farthing  from  anyone  but  by  your  direc 
tion  and  order  a  genteel  dinner ;  plenty.'' 


DOROTHY   QUINCY  129 

Hancock  wishes  her  to  give  some  present  to 
Mr.  Samuel  Purviance,  with  "  our  compliments ;" 
and  requests  that  she  take  part  of  the  guard,  with 
an  officer,  to  attend  her ;  and  part  to  come  with  the 
wagons. 

His  dear  Dolly  was  still  the  dilatory  correspond 
ent. 

"  Am  1  not  to  have  another  letter  from  you  ? 
Surely  I  must,"  he  exclaims.  Then  writes :  "  I 
am  so  harassed  with  applications,  and  have  been 
sending  off  expresses  to  call  all  the  members  here 
that  I  have  as  much  as  I  can  turn  my  hands  to : 
J  don't  get  to  dinner;  catch  a  bite.  I  write,  and 
then,  at  it  again.  If  it  promotes  the  cause  I  am 
happy." 

In  another  part  of  the  letter  he  describes  how 
he  takes  "  a  plate  in  one  hand,  without  a  cloth  or 
any  comfort,  and  eats  a  little  and  then  to  writing, 
for  I  have  not  room  on  the  table  to  put  a  plate.  I 
am  up  to  the  eyes  in  papers." 

Later  on  he  writes : 

"  Supper  is  over;  no  relish,  nor  shall  I  till  I  have  you 
here,  and  I  wish  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hilliges  to  join  us  at  sup 
per  on  Tuesday  evening,  when  I  shall  expect  you.  I 
shall  have  fires  made  and  everything  ready  for  your 
reception.  I  don't  mean  to  hurry  you  beyond  measure. 
Do  as  you  like;  don't  fatigue  yourself  in  traveling  too 
fast." 

Speaking  of  the  troops  and  where  they  were 
bound,  he  concludes: 


I3o  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

"  Time  will  discover.  Never  fear;  we  shall  get  the  day 
finally,  with  the  smiles  of  Heaven.  Do  take  precious 
care  of  our  dear  little  Lydia.  Adieu!  I  long  to  see  you. 
Take  care  of  yourself.  I  am,  my  dear  girl,  yours,  most 
affectionate,  "  JOHN  HANCOCK."6 

And  so  his  chivalrous  heart  vibrated  between 
his  two  loves, — wife  and  country. 

There  was  another  yearning  to  see  the  dear 
Dolly.  Judge  Quincy,  with  his  long-expectant 
waiting  for  the  arrival  of  his  two  daughters  and 
the  baby,  whom  Hancock  detained  because  of  the 
danger  of  travel.  Judge  Quincy  is  worried,  but 
rejoices  that  they  are  not  in  Boston,  "  for  thro'  ye 
wickedness  of  intestine  enemies,  and  other  vo 
racious  animals,  ye  natural  and  political  advan 
tages  of  that  once  happy  town  are  surprisingly 
eclipsed,  as  I  observed  when  there  last  fall,  and 
the  change  has  been  since  much  more  visible." 
This  was  in  May.  He  had  heard  of  the  inocula 
tion  of  his  little  grand-daughter,  and  hoped  that 
she  "  may  by  the  will  of  God  be  long  since  car 
ried  through  the  distemper."7 

It  has  been  said,  "  there  is  no  third  place  in 
matrimony — no  purgatory;  it  is  either  heaven  or 
hell."  The  "dear  Dolly"  arrived  at  Philadel 
phia  and  brought  into  that  desolate  domicile  of 
discomfort  the  glowing,  cheerful  light  of  her  pres 
ence,  with  that  of  the  little  Lydia,  transforming 
it  again  into  an  ideal  home.  What  wonder  that 
Dorothy's  absence  had  caused  an  aching  void! 
She  entered  into  the  sentiments  of  pathos  and  af- 


DOROTHY   QUINCY  xai 

fection  that  touched  John  Hancock;  his  indigna 
tion  against  Britain  was  her  indignation ;  his  love 
and  care  for  the  people  was  warmly  espoused  by 
her;  his  wish  for  an  independent  country  met  a 
ready  response  in  her  flashing  eye  and  public 
spirit;  and  much  that  was  good  may  have  been 
due  to  her  influence,  exerted  quietly,  discreetly 
and  wisely. 

Hancock  had  been  no  favorite  with  the  oppon 
ents  of  independence,  yet  he  continued  to  hold  the 
devotion  of  the  masses,  who  treasured  no  social 
istic  feeling  against  him  because  of  his  riches  or 
style  of  living.  They  were  not  hunting  for  flaws 
in  one  who  had  dealt  so  generously  towards  them, 
and  his  record  is  free  from  any  oppression  of  the 
people. 

That  his  sedulous  efforts  toward  pushing  the 
Federal  Constitution;  his  protection  of  country; 
his  never-failing  advocacy  of  republican  institu 
tions,  failed  to  arouse  gratitude  in  all  of  his  coun 
trymen  was  but  human  nature.  That  John  Han 
cock  was  without  faults  I  do  not  assert,  but  where 
is  the  perfect  man  ?  It  has  been  said,  "  Trivial 
imperfections  of  men  fade  before  their  great  and 
predominating  virtues,  when  they  have  them." 

Many  that  esteemed  him  were  proud  to  give 
his  name  to  their  children.  This  quaint  announce 
ment  is  from  the  Independent  Chronicle,  May  2, 
1777:  "Alexander  Gordon  of  Salem,  State  of 
New  Hampshire,  had  a  son  baptized  by  the  name 


I3j  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

of  John  Hancock,  it  being  his  tenth  son  and  six 
teenth  child,  and  in  the  sixty-second  year  of  his 
age." 

In  a  unique  style  one  of  his  defenders  replies 
to  an  acrostic  that  had  appeared :  "  Please  give 
the  following  remarks  a  place  in  your  paper,  and 
you  will  oblige  your  friend  Philander.  In  the 
acrostic  upon  the  Hon.  John  Hancock,  Esq.,  in 
ihe  Worcester  paper  of  March  20,  I  cannot  but  re 
mark  in  honor  to  that  worthy  gentleman  upon  this 
stroke  in  it,  '  That  he  sprang  out  of  obscurity,' 
which  is  not  only  a  reflection  upon  his  family, 
but  far  from  truth.  His  grandfather  was  one 
of  the  most  sensible  and  witty  clergymen  of  his 
day,  and  was  held  in  the  highest  repute  by 
his*  ministry,  which 

may  be  .    And  Governor  Belcher 

had  always  the  greatest  veneration  for  him,  whose 
tutor  he  was  in  his  minority,  and  he  always  ex 
pressed  the  greatest  pleasure  in  hearing  him  from 
the  desk;  and  a  church  minister  at  Marblehead, 
having  heard  of  his  fame,  attended  upon  his 
preaching  at  a  lecture  in  that  place.  He  was  called 
the  Bishop  by  the  clergy  and  laity  of  his  day  (and 
though  he  did  not  wear  lawn  sleeves,  would  Bos 
ton  find  his  equal  among  all  their  prelates  they 
must  go  to  Wales,  to  the  pious,  learned  and  ever 
to  be  esteemed  Bishop  of  St.  Asaph,  whose  mem- 

*Print  faded. 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  133 

ory  will  be  ever  dear  to  a  Columbian  so  long  as 
time  shall  endure." 

His  father  was  an  excellent  parish  minister  of 
a  most  amiable  temper,  and  nearly  resembled  the 
disciple  whom  Jesus  loved.  And  I  cannot  but  take 
notice  here  of  what  the  great  and  learned  Mr. 
Gay  of  Hingham  said,  and  which  will  ever  do  the 
greatest  honor  to  his  memory :  "  First,  no  man 
was  better  to  his  friend,  and,  if  he  was  not  good 
to  his  enemy,  it  was  not  for  want  of  inclination, 
but  an  object.  It  is  true  the  worthy  PATRIOT  was 
not  born  to  an  estate,  for  the  clergy  are  commonly 
poor  in  this  world,  like  their  Master;  but  he  was 
early  adopted  by  his  uncle,  who  had  one  of  the 
best  estates  in  Columbia,  and  a  seat  for  some  years 
at  the  Council  Board,  and  was  one  of  the  greatest 
benefactors  to  our  college  that  was  ever  born 
amongst  us.  Thus  honorably  was  our  patriot  de 
scended.  It  is  true,  he  had  not  the  blood  of  all 
the  princes  of  Europe  running  through  his  veins, 
as  Dr.  South  said  of  Charles  I. ;  but  has  blood 
that  is  much  better;  blood  that  was  never  stained 
with  popery  nor  arbitrary  principles.  Long  live 
the  hero!  And  may  the  amiable  temper  of  his 
pious  father  be  more  and  more  conspicuous  in  him 
and  his  country." 

(All  the  printers  in  Columbia  are  desired  to 
insert  these  remarks  in  their  papers.) 


CHAPTER  XX. 

SEWELL'S  LETTER  TO  A  FORMER  FRIEND — WASHING 
TON'S  ANNOYANCES — DEATH  OF  DAUGHTER — MRS. 
HANCOCK  LEAVES  PHILADELPHIA — JOHN  HANCOCK 
WRITES  HER — THEIR  CHEERFUL  FIRESIDE — HAN 
COCK'S  LETTER  TO  WASHINGTON — HANCOCK'S  AD 
DRESS  TO  CONGRESS — REGRETS  AT  His  DEPARTURE. 
His  WARM  RECEPTION. 

The  atmosphere  of  England  had  no  softening- 
effect  on  Jonathan  Sewell,  who,  seeing  that  a  for 
mer  friend  of  his  had  been  appointed  to  the  office 
of  Attorney-General,  wrote  to  him  from  London, 
April  24,  1777: 

"  JOHN  LOWELL,  ESQUIRE. 

"Sir — That  I  once  had  a  real  friendship  for  you  I 
believe  you  cannot  doubt,  but  that  it  now  glows  with 
its  former  warmth — to  pretend  it  would  be  an  instance  of 
flattery  to  \yhich  my  heart  is  a  stranger.  The  principles 
of  the  side  in  which  you  have  become  a  partisan  I  know 
will  render  it  difficult  for  you  to  conceive  it  possible 
any  trace  of  it  should  now  remain;  however,  as  I  once 
wished  and  endeavored  to  keep  you  steady  in  paths  of 
honor  and  loyalty,  so  I  now  wish  to  save  you  from  per 
dition." 

He  urges  him  to  repent  and  bring  his  "  deluded 
countrymen  back  to  loyalty/'  and  says,  "'  You  have 
not  well  considered  what  an  indelible  stain  of 
infamy  the  having  been  engaged  in  rebellion  will 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  135 

leave  upon  your  character  and  entail  upon  your 
innocent  children."1  He  had  written  the  month 
previous,  "  I  hope  to  God  I  shall  not  live  to  see 
the  day  when  America  shall  become  independent  of 
Great  Britain;'"  but  he  lived  for  many  years 
after.  I  do  not  know  that  the  letters  to  his  family 
were  equally  bitter ;  but  we  have  seen  how  friend 
ships  were  severed  by  this  war. 

The  discussion  of  the  new  Constitution  contin 
ued  with  acrimony;  and  in  Philadelphia  feeling- 
waxed  strong;  party  rancor  entered  into  every 
event.  "  Mrs.  Washington  said  that,  when  once 
in  Philadelphia,  none  or  but  few  of  the  ladies  of 
that  city  called  upon  her,  so  prevalent  was  the  dis 
affection."3 

Washington  did  not  escape  annoyance  and  dis 
content.  New  regiments  were  increasing  tardily ; 
he  was  enduring  much  with  his  exhausted  and 
ragged  troops,  besides  being  "  tormented  by  plots 
of  jealous  generals."  Hancock,  who  felt  for  him, 
in  a  friendly,  sympathetic  spirit  wrote  to  the  Gen 
eral  words  of  encouragement. 

August  23d  Washington  notified  Hancock  that 
he  intended  to  march  his  troops  through  Phila 
delphia  without  halting,  that  it  may  "  have  some 
influence  on  the  minds  of  the 'disaffected  there," 
and  "  those  who  are  dupes  to  their  artifices  and 
opinions." 

A  cloud,  heavier  than  war's  alarms,  had  settled 
over  one  home.  Silence  reigned.  Laughter  was 


I36  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

hushed  in  the  Hancock  house.  Merry  voices  were 
sobbing,  and  bright  eyes  were  weeping ;  the  foot 
falls  were  light,  but  the  hearts  were  heavy,  for  in 
a  curtained  room  lay  the  small,  inanimate  form  of 
Lydia,  their  only  child,  the  cherished  daughter  of 
the  household.  There  was  but  One  to  Whom  the 
heartbroken  parents  could  turn  in  their  grief,  for 
words  of  sympathy  afforded  cold  comfort.  Yet 
many  kindly  natures  lavished  them,  hoping  to 
alleviate  their  distress,  and  they  were  gratetui 
for  the  remembrance. 

A  letter  came  September  8,  1777,  to  John  Han 
cock  from  Judge  Quincy  to  condole  with  him  on 
the  decease  of  his  child;  and  on  the  I4th  the  fond 
grand-parent  wrote  announcing  to  Mrs.  Sewell 
that  her  sister  had  lost  "  a  promising  daughter." 
Then  the  sorrowing  mother  was  urged  to  make  a 
change,  and  she  departed  for  the  North. 

Philadelphia  had  been  wrought  up  by  all  those 
exciting  alarms  that  war  entails.  Again  it  was 
considered  unsafe,  as  on  the  igth  a  rumor  that 
General  Howe's  army  was  crossing  the  Schuylkill 
started  Congress  and  others  to  leave  before  day 
light.  It  proved  then  a  false  alarm,  and  a  reac 
tion  followed;  but  the  23d  found  many  terrified 
citizens  moving  out  of  town — a  wise  precaution, 
as  on  the  26th  the  English  entered  the  city. 

Under  date  of  October  18,  1777,  Hancock  writes 
from  Yorktown : 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  137 

''  MY  DEAR  DOLLY  : 

"  I  am  now  at  this  date  and  not  a  line  from  you,  nor 
a  single  word  have  I  heard  from  you  since  your  letter 
by  Dodd,  immediately  upon  your  arrival  at  Worcester, 
which  you  may  judge  affects  me  not  a  little  ;  but  I  must 
submit,  and  will  only  say  that  I  expected  oftener  to  have 
been  the  object  of  your  attention.  This  is  my  sixth 
letter  to  you.  *  *  *  I  have  come  to  a  fixed  deter 
mination  to  return  to  Boston  for  a  short  time,  and  I 
have  notified  Congress  in  form  of  my  intentions. 

"  Please  immediately  on  receipt  of  this  tell  Mr.  Sprigs 
to  prepare  the  light  carriage  and  four  horses  and  himself 
to  proceed  on  to  Hartford  or  Fairfield.  I  shall  hope 
and  must  desire  that  you  will  take  a  seat  in  the  carriage 
and  meet  me  on  the  road,  which  will  much  advance  your 
health,  and  you  may  be  assured  will  be  highly  satisfac 
tory  to  me  ;  and  I  have  desired  Mr.  Brant  to  accompany 
you  in  the  carriage,  and  when  we  meet  he  can  take  the 
sulkey  and  I  return  with  you  in  the  carriage  to  town. 
My  dear.  I  hope  your  health  will  admit  of  your 
coming  with  Mr.  Brant.  I  long  to  see  you." 

He  writes,  further  on,  that  he  should  travel  with 
great  speed : 

"  Nothing  will  prevent  my  seeing  you  soon,  with  the 
leave  of  Providence,  but  a  prevention  of  passing  the 
North  river.  I  shall  push  hard  to  get  over  even  if  I  go 
so  far  as  Albany.  I  need  not  tell  you  there  will  be  no 
occasion  of  your  writing  me  after  the  receipt  of  this. 
*  *  *  My  best  wishes  attend  you  for  every  good.  I 
have  much  to  say,  which  I  leave  to  a  cheerful  evening 
with  you  in  person. 

*'  God  bless  you,  my  dear  Dolly.  I  am, 
•'  Yours  most  affectionately, 

"JOHN  HANCOCK."* 

We  have  read  and  realized  how  John  Hancock 
felt,  waiting,  watching  and  expecting  a  letter  long 
delayed  from  the  discreet  Miss  Ouincy  or  the 
silent  Mrs.  Hancock.  This  appears  prudent,  for 


I38  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

the  post  was  slow  and  the  risk  of  capture  great; 
with  the  chance  that  tender  effusions  would  ulti 
mately  afford  diversion  to  British  soldiery  around 
camp-fires. 

But  what  a  fascinating  Dorothy  she  must  have 
been  to  smooth  out  all  the  inequalities  of  mood 
that  silence  engendered.  The  first  impulse  would 
be  towards  resentment,  yet  we  find  John  Hancock 
succumbing  to  the  charm,  potent  though  absent, 
and  writing  that  he  sighed  to  be  with  her ;  that  he 
will  never  be  parted  so  long  again,  and  that  he 
yearns  for  their  talks  by  the  fireside. 

That  fireside  is  before  us.  We  can  picture  it 
with  the  huge,  blazing,  crackling  logs,  resting  on 
large,  glittering  brass  fire-dogs ;  the  bright,  fluted 
fender ;  the  shining  shovel  and  tongs ;  the  subdued, 
soft  light  from  tall  spermaceti  candles  standing 
erect  in  their  chiseled  silver  holders  and  resting 
on  the  high  carved  mantel ;  the  mirror,  with  three 
divisions,  mounted  in  black  and  gilt. 

Here  they  are  to  sit  and  talk  as  has  been  their 
wont,  on  his  return  after  the  day's  anxieties  and 
perplexities;  here,  where  John  Hancock  found  a 
tender-hearted  consoler  and  a  companion  to  whom 
he  listened  with  pleasure,  while  their  more  serious 
discourse  was  varied  by  the  playful  badinage  that 
pervades  his  letters. 

When  a  man  like  Hancock,  with  position  and 
money,  courted  by  men  for  his  influence  and  by 
women  for  his  personal  attractions,  prefers  his 


DOROTHY   QU1NCY  139 

own  home  and  his  own  wife,  there  must  assuredly 
he  something  in  that  woman  of  high  tone  and  win 
ning  attractions  to  produce  this  result. 

John  Hancock,  in  October,  wrote  to  Washing 
ton  that  the  decline  of  health  occasioned  by  "  long 
and  unremitted  application  to  the  duties  of  office, 
both  in  Congress  and  out  of  Congress,"  obliged 
him  to  think  of  retiring  for  a  rest  of  two  or  three 
months ;  and  he  concludes  with,  "  The  politeness 
and  attention  I  have  ever  experienced  from  you, 
in  the  course  of  our  correspondence,  will  always 
be  a  source  of  the  most  pleasing  satisfaction  to 
me." 

Washington  replied  from  "  Headquarters,  Octo 
ber  22,  1777:" 

"  DEAR  SIR  : 

"  It  gives  me  real  pain  to  learn  that  the  declining  state 
of  your  health,  owing  to  your  unwearied  attention  to 
public  business  and  the  situation  of  your  private  affairs, 
oblige  you  to  relinquish  a  station,  though  for  a  time, 
which  you  have  filled  with  acknowledged  propriety. 
Motives,  as  well  of  a  personal  as  of  a  general  concern, 
make  me  regret  the  necessity  that  compels  you  to  retire, 
and  to  wish  your  absence  from  office  may  be  of  as  short 
duration  as  possible.  In  the  progress  of  that  inter 
course,  which  has  necessarily  subsisted  between  us. 
the  manner  in  which  you  have  conducted  it  on  your 
part,  accompanied  with  every  expression  of  politeness 
and  regard  to  me,  gives  you  a  claim  to  my  warmest  ac 
knowledgments."5 

Washington  suggests  that  it  would  be  safer  for 
him  to  defer  his  journey  until  affairs  had  taken  a 
more  settled  shape.  He  offers  him  an  escort  to 


i4o  DOROTHY   QU1NCY 

General  Putnam's  camp,  where  another  would  be 
furnished,  and  concludes : 

"  I  am  extremely  obliged  to  you  for  your  polite  ten 
der  of  services  during  my  intended  residence  at  Boston, 
and  shall  always  be  happy,  when  leisure  and  opportunity 
permit,  if  you  will  give  me  the  pleasure  of  hearing-  from 
you.  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  etc." 

Not  intimidated  by  the  danger  Hancock  contin 
ued  his  preparations  for  departure.  On  Novem 
ber  2,  1777,  Washington  again  wrote  to  him: 

"  You  have  my  warmest  wishes  for  your  recovery,  and 
I  shall  be  happy  if  your  recess  should  be  attended  with 
benefits  superior  to  your  most  sanguine  expectations. 
Your  exertions  to  promote  the  general  interest,  I  am 
well  convinced,  will  be  unceasing  and  that  every  meas 
ure  which  the  situation  of  your  health  will  permit  you 
to  pursue  will  be  employed  to  that  end,  whether  you  are 
in  Congress,  or  obliged  to  remain  in  the  State  of  Massa 
chusetts." 

Closing  with : 

"  I  have  nothing  further  to  add  than  to  wish  you  an 
agreeable  journey  and  a  happy  meeting  with  your  lady 
and  friends,  and  to  assure  you  that  I  am,  dear  sir,  etc."6 

John  Hancock,  on  taking  leave  of  Congress, 
said :  "  As  I  could  never  flatter  myself  -your 
choice  proceeded  from  any  idea  of  my  abilities,  but 
rather  from  a  partial  opinion  of  my  attachment  to 
the  liberties  of  America,  *  *  *  I  think  I  shall 
be  forgiven  if  I  say  I  have  spared  no  pains,  ex 
pense  or  labor  to  gratify  your  wishes  and  to  ac 
complish  the  views  of  Congress." 

After  writing  of  his  health,  he  says : 


DOROTHY   QUINCY  141 

"  I  cannot  take  my  departure,  gentlemen,  without 
expressing  my  thanks  for  the  civility  and  politeness  I 
have  experienced  from  you.  It  is  impossible  to  men 
tion  this  without  a  heartfelt  pleasure.  If,  in  the  course 
of  so  long  a  period  as  I  have  had  the  honor  to  fill  this 
chair,  any  expressions  may  have  dropped  from  me  that 
may  have  given  the  least  offence  to  any  member,  as  it 
was  not  intentional,  so  I  hope  his  candor  will  pass  it 
over.  May  every  happiness,  gentlemen,  attend  you. 
both  as  members  of  this  house  and  as  individuals,  etc." 

Congress  ordered  the  Secretary,  to  wait  on  the 
President  and  request  him  to  furnish  a  copy  of  his 
speech.7 

One  of  the  members  wrote  on  Hancock's  ab 
sence  from  Congress,  saying,  "  I  am  much  con 
cerned,  though  his  great  fatigue  and  long  attend 
ance  entitle  him  to  some  relaxation.  How  we 
shall  do  without  him  I  know  not,  for  we  have 
never  yet  put  in  a  chairman,  on  a  committee  of 
the  whole  House,  that  could  in  any  measure  fill 
his  place.  He  has  not  only  dignity  and  impartial 
ity,  which  are  the  great  requisites  of  a  president 
of  such  a  body;  but  has  an  alertness,  attention, 
readiness  to  conceive  any  motion  and  its  tendency, 
and  of  every  alteration  proposed,  in  the  course  of 
a  debate  which  greatly  tends  to  facilitate  and  ex 
pedite  business." 

Hancock  makes  time  to  indite  another  epistle  to 
his  *'  Dear  Dolly  "  from  Dover,  sixty  miles  from 
Hartford : 

"  MY  DEAR  : — I  am  thus  far  on  my  journey  to  meet 
you.  Thank  God  for  it.  I  have  been  through  many 
difficulties  on  the  road,  but  that  I  shall  not  mind.  The 


M2  DOROTHY   QUINCY 

remembrance  of  those  difficulties  will  vanish  when  I 
have  the  happiness  of  seeing  you.  I  am  still  obliged  to 
have  my  foot  wrapped  up  in  baize,  but  I  brave  all  these 
things.  *  *  *  I  have  much  to  say,  but  refer  all  to 
the  happy  time  when  I  shall  be  with  you."8 

Does  it  not  look  as  if  John  Hancock  never  at 
tained  to  Dickens'  state  of  mind,  when  he  once  ex 
claimed,  "  I  loathe  domestic  hearths!" 

Along  the  route  he  was  received  with  contin 
uous  indications  of  the  high  esteem  in  which -he 
was  held  an  approval  of  his  efficient  work. 

Mrs.  Hancock  hastened  to  meet  her  sick  hus 
band  to  cheer  him  over  the  rough  roads  and  weari 
ness  that,  as  an  invalid,  he  had  to  endure. 

A  notice  from  Hartford,  November  18,  says: 

"  On  Friday  passed  through  this  town,  escorted 
by  a  party  of  Light  Dragoons,  the  Hon.  John 
Hancock,  Esq.,  President  of  the  American  Con 
gress,  with  his  lady,  on  his  way  to  Boston  after  an 
absence  on  public  business  of  more  than  two  years 
and  a  half." 

"  On  his  arrival  in  Boston  the  bells  were  rung, 
cannon  fired  by  artillery  at  Fort  Hill  and  from  the 
shipping  in  the  harbor.  He  received  the  compli 
ments  of  gentlemen  of  all  orders,  and  every  indi 
cation  was  given  of  the  sense  the  public  has  of  his 
important  services  to  the  American  cause.'1 

Mr.  Otis,  in  a  letter  to  Elbridge  Gerry,  says, 
"  Honorable  Mr.  Hancock  arrived,  not  looking  in 
the  full  power  of  health." 


CHAPTER  XXL 

THE  HANCOCK  ESTABLISHMENT — PORTRAITS  OF  MADAM 
HANCOCK— JOHN  HANCOCK,  His  TASTES— CONSID 
ERATION  OF  OTHERS — His  GENEROSITY. 

The  Hancock  home  had  been  occupied  during 
the  siege  by  General  Clinton,  also  by  Lord  Percy, 
and  was  left  in  a  damaged  condition.  After  the 
battle  of  Bunker  Hill  the  house  and  stables  had 
been  used  for  the  wounded. 

The  renovation  was  rapidly  pushed  forward, 
while  the  Hancocks  resided  at  Jamaica  Plain.  A 
thorough  refurnishing  was  required,  and  orders 
were  sent  to  London  for  Wilton  carpets  for  the 
bedrooms ;  and  "  furniture  that  was  most  fashion 
able,  and  a  handsome  silver  tea  urn,  whether 
wrought  or  unwrought."1 

Dorothy  Dudley's  diary  gives  this  description 
of  the  future  residence  of  Madam  Hancock,  as 
she  was  generally  designated :  "  The  magnificent 
house,  standing  as  it  does  on  the  brow  of  the  hill, 
commanding  an  extensive  view  of  the  country 
around,  is  typical  of  the  prominence  and  exalted 
station  of  its  owner,  who  has  incurred  the  deadly 
displeasure  of  the  royal  Government,  by  reason  of 
his  determined  patriotism.  Massive  stone  walls. 


144  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

supporting  a  tiled  roof,  from  which  several  dormer 
windows  look  forth  upon  the  town  and  its  sur 
roundings  ;  projecting  balcony  over  the  front  door, 
and  broad  stone  steps  and  paved  walk  leading  from 
the  street.  A  grand  drawing-room  on  the  right, 
where  hang  the  portraits  of  the  Hancock  family 
back  to  the  days  of  the  early  Puritans ;  an  immense 
dining-hall  out  of  this  designed  for  large  compa 
nies;  the  family  drawing-room  to  the  left,  and  a 
smaller  dining-room  out  of  that;  spacious  halls 
and  chambers  elegantly  furnished  and  hung  with 
pictures  of  various  kinds."2 

4  The  bedroom  furniture  and  hangings  were 
of  gold-colored  damask." 

Adams  writes  that  the  best  houses,  in  1766,  had 
"  Turkey  carpets,  painted  hangings,  marble  tables 
and  rich  damask  curtains  and  counterpanes  to  the 
bed,"  etc.3 

There  was  a  garden,  elaborately  laid  out,  which 
ascended  gradually  behind  the  building  to  a  charm 
ing  hill  in  the  rear;  a  large  nursery  and  orchard 
full  of  many  kinds  of  delicious  fruit,  and  orna 
mental  flower-beds  bordered  with  box,  some  being 
of  great  size.  From  the  summer  house  opens  a 
capital  prospect.  An  old  chronicler  describes  it — 
"  Smiling  hills,  and  laughing  vales,  gently  undu 
lating." 

'  The  mall  bordering  the  Common,  ornamented 
with  a  treble  range  of  trees,"  in  front  of  the 
house,  "  and  here  the  ladies  and  gentlemen  resort 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  145 

in  summer."  "  The  grounds  on  election  and  pub 
lic  days  teem  with  multitudes  of  every  descrip 
tion  and  rank,  who  occupy  themselves  in  various 
amusements."  "  On  this  commodious  lawn,  dif 
ferent  military  corps  perform  their  stated  exer 
cises."  "  In  a  word,  if  purity  of  air,  extensive 
prospects,  elegance  and  convenience  united  are  al 
lowed  to  have  charms,  this  seat  is  scarcely  sur 
passed  by  any  in  the  Union."4 

Madam  Hancock  had  filled  the  position  of  first 
lady  during  the  rebel  government.  She  was  now 
to  have  a  prominence  in  the  Massachusetts  com 
monwealth  that  had  never  been  accorded  to  any 
lady ;  she  was  to  be  the  head  of  one  of  the  most 
elaborate  and  extensive  establishments. 

In  her  father's  house  she  had  met  men  of  talent 
and  stability,  but  at  her  husband's  there  was  to  be 
an  infinitely  greater  variety.  Madam  Hancock's 
personal  attractions  were  enhanced  by  her  beau 
tiful  toilettes.  Her  husband,  who  liked  to  see  her 
elegantly  attired,  once  ordered  from  Paris  a  heavy 
crimson  Lyons  velvet,  which,  on  its  reception,  was 
decided  to  be  entirely  unsuited  to  her  slender  fig 
ure,  and  it  finally  decorated  that  of  Mr.  John  Han 
cock. 

Though  the  lapse  of  years  has  somewhat  im 
paired  Copley's  flesh  tints,  yet  we  can  more  appro 
priately  picture  Madam  Hancock  as  he  has  por 
trayed  her,  arrayed  in  a  rose-colored  gown,  with 
transparent,  figured  muslin  overskirt — a  charm- 


I46  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

ing  contrast  to  the  dark  hair,  rolled  high,  sur 
mounted  by  a  fancy  head-dress  !5 

With  elbow  resting  on  the  table,  the  delicate 
lingers  touch  her  cheek,  a  favorite  attitude;  per 
haps  a  pardonable  vanity  to  display  a  pretty  hand 
and  arm,  with  which,  alas!  time  has  played  havoc 
and  punished  her  by  deepening  the  shadows,  and 
leaving  attenuated  its  once  rounded  contour ; 
which  is,  however,  preserved  in  an  unfinished  like 
ness  of  her,  by  Copley,  formerly  owned  by  her 
great-niece,  Mrs.  Woodbury,  wife  of  the  late 
Judge  L.  Woodbury,  of  the  United  States  Su 
preme  Court. 

The  latter  is  a  full-length  portrait  of  Madam 
Hancock,  who  is  represented  seated  in  an  arm 
chair,  easily  and  naturally ;  gowned  in  one  of  those 
dainty,  filmy,  white  cobwebs  of  India,  so  choice 
and  costly  at  that  day ;  a  muslin  of  soft  and  cling 
ing  texture,  with  no  ornament  save  a  figured  black 
lace  fichu  simply  crossed  over  the  bust.  The  face 
is  marred  by  a  powdered,  frizzed  wig,  low  on  the 
brow,  a  fashion  not  as  becoming  as  her  own  dark 
tresses.  The  pose  of  the  hand  and  arm  are  the 
same  as  in  the  smaller  portrait. 

John  Hancock,  in  a  suit  of  brown  velvet,  stands 
at  her  side. 

There  is  still  another  oil  color  extant  of  Madam 
Hancock,  taken  when  eighty  years  old,  with  stiff 
French  puffs  of  hair  around  the  brow,  the  mode 
then,  and  a  cap  of  muslin  with  large  crown  and 


. 


GOVERNOR   AND  MRS.    HANCOCK. 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  147 

frill,  bordered  with  ribbons.  Her  dress  of  plain 
black  has  a  huge  Elizabethian  ruff  that  fills  up  the 
throat ;  but  the  eyes  that  look  out  from  that  intelli 
gent  face  are  large  and  expressive,  retaining  some 
semblance  to  those  that  once  captivated  and  looked 
admiringly  on  John  Hancock. 

In  Massachusetts,  as  in  Philadelphia,  Hancock's 
position  laid  on  him  large  obligations  of  hospital 
ity,  which  Madam  Hancock  dispensed  with  a  deli 
cate  grace. 

Madam  Hancock  met  in  society  many  cultivated 
and  agreeable  men  who  visited  this  country,  as 
well  as  diplomatic  officials  and  travelers  full  of  in 
terest  and  curiosity  in  all  that  related  to  America. 
She  listened  unmoved  to  their  courtly  phrases  and 
filled  her  role  with  a  distinction  that  placed  her 
without  a  rival. 

John  Hancock  was  nearly  six  feet  in  height, 
with  graceful  and  prepossessing  manner.  His 
apparel  was  of  the  richest  kind,  embroidered  in 
silver,  with  lace,  according  to  the  dress  of  a  gen 
tleman  of  that  date. 

He  liked  what  was  handsome,  but  not  showy, 
and  an  order  to  London  for  his  traveling  carnage 
expressly  stipulates  "  a  very  neat  and  light  post- 
chaise  or  chariot,  elegantly  neat,  not  made  expen 
sive  by  external  tawdry  ornaments/'6  Many  direc 
tions  are  given  for  convenience,  the  seat  to  unship 
so  that  the  coachman  could  sit  on  the  box  or  ride 
postilion.  Lamps  on  the  carriage ;  a  traveling 


DOROTHY  QU1NCY 

trunk,  with  strong  lock  and  key ;  a  box  inside  the 
carriage  to  draw  out,  with  good  lock  and  key. 
"  The  ground  paint  of  the  carriage  to  be  stone  yel 
low,  that  being  the  color  all  his  carriages  bear." 

This  equipage  in  daily  use,  a  writer  says,  was 
"  noted  for  its  brilliant  plate-glass  windows  and 
handsome  ornaments."7  it  was  drawn  by  four  bay 
horses,  and  on  state  occasions  by  six. 

He  was  not  a  man  to  offend  with  arrogance,  or 
superciliousness;  his  marked  traits  were  urbanity 
and  kindliness,  which  the  following  incident  ex 
emplifies,  among  many  others,  related  by  Madam 
Hancock  to  her  great-niece,  Miss  M.  Quincy : 

Returning  to  town  one  day,  in  his  phaeton,  he 
noticed  a  woman  toiling  along  overburdened  by  a 
huge  bundle.  The  horses  were  reined  in,  for  Han 
cock  to  inquire  where  she  was  going.  This  poor 
washwoman,  who  was  on  her  way  to  the  town,  he 
had  helped  into  the  open  carriage  and  driven  to 
her  stopping  place. 

It  was  these  impulses  of  the  heart  that  won  the 
regard  of  his  townsmen. 

Another  instance  will  show  that  he  also  relieved 
those  in  his  own  walk  of  life.  Once  while  driving 
with  Madam  Hancock  he  was  startled  at  seeing 
Samuel  Adams,  his  old  friend,  one  of  the  patriots 
of  the  Revolution,  walking  with  a  sheriff  beside 
him. 

"  What  is  the  meaning  of  this?"  he  inquired  of 
Adams;  who  replied: 


DOROTHY  QU1NCY  149 

"  1  am  going  to  jail,  as  I  cannot  satisfy  the 
sheriff's  demand." 

Mr.  Hancock  said  he  would  see  to  that,  and  set 
tle  the  account  himself;  so  bade  the  sheriff  leave 
his  prisoner. 

When  taking  these  drives  with  his  wife  nothing 
escaped  John  Hancock  for  the  betterment  of  his 
fellow-beings.  Was  there  an  unfinished  church 
he  inquired  the  cause,  and  at  once  assisted  if  funds 
were  needed ;  and  it  has  been  said,  "  His  munifi 
cence  in  the  bosom  of  the  Church  was  as  proverb 
ial  as  it  was  in  forwarding  the  glory  of  the  Re 
public." 

On  one  occasion  he  gave  to  the  poor  of  the  town 
one  hundred  and  fifty  cords  of  wood,  but,  though 
his  public  gifts  were  known  to  the  world,  his  and 
his  wife's  many  private  donations  were  known 
only  to  the  few,  and  held  sacred  by  the  benefi 
ciaries. 


CHAPTER  XXil. 

BOSTONIANS  DESCRIBED — A  Sox  BORN — LETTERS  TO 
"  DOLLY  "  FROM  YORKTOWN — JOHN  HANCOCK  RE 
TURNS  TO  BOSTON — MARCHES  TO  RHODE  ISLAND — 
JUDGE  QUINCY'S  LETTER  —  FRENCH  FLEET  OFF 
SANDY  HOOK — THE  FLEET  DISABLED — LAFAYETTE 
STANDS  BY  D'ESTAING. 

Brissot  de  Warville  describes  the  Bostonians  in 
1778 :  "  They  unite  simplicity  of  morals  with  that 
French  politeness  and  delicacy  of  manners  which 
render  virtue  more  amiable.  The  young  men  here 
enjoy  the  liberty  they  do  in  England ;  that  they  did 
in  Geneva  when  morals  were  there,  and  the  Repub 
lic  existed;  and  they  do  not  abuse  it."  *  *  "  1 
have  seen  women  of  fifty  with  such  an  air  of  fresh 
ness  that  they  would  not  have  been  taken  by  an 
European  for  more  than  forty.  Women  of  sixty 
and  seventy  are  sparkling  with  health."1 

On  the  1 5th  of  May,  Hancock  and  lady,  with 
Mrs.  Jefrry,  arrived  in  town  from  a  trip  to  New 
York;  which  was  followed  soon  after  by  a  glad 
dening  event  to  the  Hancocks. 

One  of  the  journals  announced  that  in  "  Bos 
ton,  May  21,  1778,  Lord's  Day  morning,  the  lady 
of  the  Hon.  John  Hancock,  Esq.,  was  safely  deliv 
ered  of  a  son." 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  151 

This  boy  was  later  baptized  George  Washing 
ton,  from  Hancock's  regard  for  the  soldier  and 
friendship  for  the  man. 

Judge  Quincy  wrote  to  his  daughter  from  Med- 
field  and  said:  "  Pray  kiss  my  little  Washington 
for  me.  I  hope  he  may  enjoy  the  fruits  of  his 
parents'  patriotism."2 

This  little  stranger  was  doubly  welcome  to  take 
the  place  of  the  daughter  that  died. 

Hancock  and  Samuel  Holton,  Esq.,  who  were 
two  of  the  delegates  from  Massachusetts,  in  June 
departed  for  Yorktown,  to  join  the  Grand  Con 
gress,  escorted  by  a  detachment  of  American 
Light  Dragoons.  "  They  were  attended  by  a  num 
ber  of  respectable  gentlemen  from  this  town  to 
Watertown,  where  an  elegant  entertainment  was 
provided." 

En  route  John  Hancock's  thoughts  turn  to  the 
dear  ones  at  home,  and  he  writes  from  a  tavern 
called  Log  Goal,  in  New  Jersey,  270  miles  from 
Boston,  June  14,  1778,  Sunday,  12  o'clock: 

"  MY  DEAR  DOLLY  : 

"  I  wrote  you  this  morning  from  Sussex  Courthouse; 
have  just  got  here,  and,  stopping  an  express  bound  to 
Boston  for  a  moment,  gives  me  the  opportunity  to  let 
you  know  I  am  safe  thus  far.  *  *  *  I  beg  you  to 
take  care  of  your  health  beyond  every  other  consider 
ation." 

Which  epistle  ends  with  the  usual  warm  ef 
fusiveness  : 


I5a  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

"The  express  waits— can  only  add  my  most  ardent 
wishes  for  your  health,  and  every  good  ;  and  am,  with 
the  utmost  love  and  affection, 

"  Yours  forever, 

"  JOHN  HANCOCK."3 
"  Pray  write  me  often  and  long  letters." 

This  sounds  not  like  a  cool  lover,  as  he  has 
been  erroneously  called,  nor  do  any  of  his  letters. 

He  arrived  at  Yorktown,  and,  though  they  have 
been  parted  but  a  few  days,  is  much  disturbed  at 
not  hearing  from  his  wife.  Madam  Hancock's 
time  and  thoughts  were  now  absorbed  by  the 
newcomer  in  the  family,  and  Hancock,  inveighing 
over  the  neglect  to  himself,  fails  to  comprehend 
that  a  baby  calls  for  more  attention  than  a  hus 
band  ;  nor  could  he  realize  that  it  was  possible  for 
anyone  to  come  between  his  dear  Dolly  and  him 
self,  and  that  the  culprit  was  an  innocent  infant. 

He  forwards  another  letter  by  Mr.  Taylor,  who 
was  to  sail  for  Paris  with  dispatches  to  the  com 
missioners,  and  says: 

"  I  embrace  the  opportunity  of  writing  you,  although 
T  wrote  you  two  letters  the  day  before  yesterday,  and 
this  is  my  seventh  letter,  and  not  one  word  have  1 
heard  from  you  since  your  departure  from  Boston.  I 
am  as  well  as  the  peculiar  situation  of  this  place  will 
admit,  but  I  can  by  no  means,  in  justice  to  myself,  con 
tinue  long  under  such  disagreeable  circumstances  ; 
mean  in  point  of  living.  The  mode  is  so  very  differ 
ent  from  what  I  have  been  always  accustomed  to  that 
to  continue  it  long  would  prejudice  my  health  exceed 
ingly. 

"  This  moment  the  post  arrived,  and,  to  my  very  great 
surprise  and  disappointment,  not  a  single  line  from 
Boston.  I  am  not  much  disposed  to  resent,  but  it  feels 


DOROTHY   QUINCY  153 

exceedingly  hard  to  be  slighted  and  neglected  by  those 
from  whom  I  have  a  degree  of  right  to  expect  different 
conduct.  I  would  have  hired  anyone  to  have  sent  a  few 
lines  just  to  let  me  know  the  state  of  your  health  ;  but 
I  must  endeavor  not  to  be  so  anxious,  and  be  as  easy  as 
some  others  seem  to  be.  I  will  expect  no  letters  nor 
write  any,  and  then  there  will  be  no  disappointment. 
So  much  for  that. 

"  To  be  serious,  I  shall  write  no  more  till  I  hear  from 
you  ;  this  is  agreeable  to  my  former  promise.  It  really 
is  not  kind,  when  you  must  be  sensible  that  I  must 
have  been  very  anxious  about  you  and  the  little  one. 
Devote  a  little  time  to  write  me  ;  it  will  please  me 
much  to  hear  of  you.  I  am  sure  you  are  disposed  to 
oblige  me,  and  I  pray  I  may  not  be  disappointed  in  my 
opinion  of  your  disposition. 

"  I  hope  this  will  meet  you  tolerably  recovered  from 

your  late  confinement.     I  wish  to  hear  of  your  being 

below  stairs  and  able  to  take  care  of  our  dear  little  one. 

Do  let   me   have    frequent  letters  ;    you    will 

oblige  me  much. 

"  My  best  wishes  attend  you  for  the  highest  felicity, 
and  I  am,  with  the  utmost  affection  and  love, 
"  Yours  forever, 

"  JOHN  HANCOCK."4 

Hancock  returned  to  Boston  July  27th,  and  the 
following  month  it  was  announced  "  that  General 
Hancock's  Independent  Company,  headed  by  the 
General  in  person,  marches  hence  (Boston)  to 
morrow  to  join  in  the  intended  expedition  against 
Rhode  Island." 

Judge  Quincy  wrote  from  Medfield  August  18, 
1778: 

"  Mr.  Hancock's  patriotism  has  at  length  urged  him 
into  the  field.  *  *  *  As  I  have  had  from  ye  begin 
ning  (tho'  somewhat  gloomy)  full  expectation  of  a  glo 
rious  termination  of  ye  seemingly  unhappy  contest  in 
favor  of  these  United  States;  as  at  this  hour  ye  prospect 
advances,  that  all  those  who  trouble  our  Israel  will 


154  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

in  a  little  time  be  swept  off  our  shores  with  ye  Besom 
of  destruction,  unless  they  should  timely  prevent  it  by 
a  suitable  capitulation  ;  which  God  grant  may  be  ye 
case,  and  thereby  ye  lives  of  our  fellow  creatures  be 
spared.  *  *  *  I  pray  God  to  support  you  in  his  ab 
sence  and  preserve  ye  health  of  both  mother  and  son, 
whom  I  want  to  see. 

"  With  my  most  devout  and  best  wishes,  I  remain, 
dear  child, 

"  Your  most  affectionate  father, 

"  EDMUND  QUINCY. "5 

He  writes  again  from  Medfield,  August  24th : 

"  Since  I  wrote  you  last  I  have  had  ye  pleasure  of 
hearing  divers  times  by  returning  men  from  Rhode  Isl 
and,  etc.,  that  General  Hancock  was  there  at  the  head 
of  one  of  ye  grand  divisions  of  ye  Americans,  and  that 
he  was  better  in  health  than  he  could  have  expected  to 
be;  but,  as  you  receive  almost  daily  advices  from  him, 
I  don't  expect  to  be  able  to  inform  you  of  any  circum 
stances  from  ye  vague  accounts  I  receive,  and  have, 
therefore,  only  to  say  that,  as  it  pleases  God  yet  to 
excite  Mr.  Hancock's  patriotic  concern  for  his  country, 
as  well  in  the  military  as  in  ye  civil  department,  I  trust 
His  gracious  protection  will  be  afforded  him  in  and 
thro'  every  hour  of  difficulty  and  danger." 

In  a  letter  October  I2th  he  closes  with,  "  Pray 
give  my  most  tender  regards  to  my  daughter  and 
her  dear  little  general."* 

Great  importance  was  attached  to  the  arrival  of 
the  French  fleet,  commanded  by  Count  D'Estaing, 
which  was  expected  to  take  part  in  the  Rhode  Isl 
and  campaign.  Lafayette  also  had  joined  our 
troops. 

Before  sailing  for  Rhode  Island,  whilst  the 
squadron  lay  near  Sandy  Hook,  August  loth,  a 
rather  startling  incident  occurred.  "  A  marine 
officer,  belonging  to  one  of  the  ships,  a  Scotch- 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  155 

man  by  birth,  went  on  shore  at  Shewsbury.  The 
inhabitants,  finding  that  he  spoke  good  English, 
crowded  to  converse  with  him,  and  told  him  how 
happy  they  were  made  by  the  arrival  of  the  French 
fleet,  as  they  did  not  doubt  their  independence 
would  be  established  by  their  co-operation.  Where 
at  the  Scotch  officer,  with  a  significant  shake  of 
the  head,  answered  them  that  he  believed  they 
were  mistaken;  that  he  looked  upon  their  inde 
pendence  only  as  a  dream,  for  that  France  or 
Britain  must  have  this  country."7 

The  effect  of  such  a  speech  can  be  better  con 
ceived  than  described. 

When  the  squadron  appeared  off  the  coast  of 
Rhode  Island  a  violent  storm  arose,  which  raged 
into  a  tempest  and  ruinously  shattered  the  fleet, 
so  that  they  were  obliged  to  sail  for  Boston  to 
"  repair  the  lost  masts  "  and  other  damages,  and  to 
replenish  their  provisions, 

There  was  loud-spoken  indignation  at  the  de 
parture,  but  D'Estaing  asserted  "  that  he  had  pos 
itive  orders  of  the  King,  in  case  of  any  disaster,  the 
squadron  should  rendezvous  in  the  harbor  of  Bos 
ton,"8  and  his  officers  were  unwilling  to  remain 
there  disabled. 

Lafayette,  who  naturally  did  not  join  in  the 
general  outcry  against  his  countrymen,  hastened  to 
Boston,  where  a  strong  and  bitter  feeling  against 
the  French  had  been  aroused. 

General  Hancock  expressed  his  indignation,  as 
well  as  the  other  officers,  "but  he  consented  to 


156  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

return  to  Boston,  to  endeavor  to  calm  the  public 
mind,  and  obtain  supplies  for  the  squadron."1 

That  city  had  taken  alarm  at  supplying  a  fleet 
from    their    stores,  but,  fortunately,  the  ' 
England  cruisers  had  seized  a  number  of  provision 
vessels,  so  the  wants  of  the  French  were  well  sup 
plied,  besides  a  surplus  for  their  own  market." 

The  masts  and  lumber  for  the  ships  had  to  be 
transported  from  Portsmouth,  which  occasioned  a 

long  delay. 

Admiral  D'Estaing    clearly  demonstrated 
unfortunate  state  of  his  naval  forces  and  equip 
ments;    he    offered    to    march  himself    with   his 

troops. 

Lafayette,  who  was  chagrined  and  much  trou 
bled,  wrote  to  Washington  explaining  how  desir 
ous  'D'Estaing  was  to  forward  the  public  good, 
and  help  "  your  success,  and  to  serve  the  cause  of 
America." 

In  his  letter  to  Washington  September  ist  he 
writes :  "  Lafayette  and  D'Estaing  waited  on  the 
Council,  General  Heath  and  General  Hancock,  and 
were  very  well  satisfied  with  them.  The  last  one 
distinguished  himself  very  much  by  his  zeal." 

Hancock  was  ready  to  correct  his  first  hasty 
judgment  on  the  course  of  the  French  officer. 

Lafayette,  in  one  of  his  letters  to  a  friend  in 
Paris,  had  written  :  "  I  hear  nothing  here  about 
kings  nor  ministers.  They  cherish  and  idolize 
onlv  two  mistresses,  viz..  Liberty  and  Fame."1 


CHAPTER  XXII 1. 

THE  HANCOCKS  GIVE  A  BREAKFAST  TO  THE  FRENCH 
OFFICERS— THE  FRENCHMEN  INVITE  THE  HAN 
COCKS—INDIANS  VISIT  THE  SHIP— THE  CONSTITU 
TION  OF  MASSACHUSETTS  FORMED— BALL  TO  THE 
FRENCH  OFFICERS — HANCOCK  GIVES  WASHING 
TON'S  PORTRAIT  TO  ADMIRAL  D'ESTAIGN— PRE 
SENTS  ONE  TO  LAFAYETTE. 

While  the  wheels  of  war  were  revolving  those 
of  pleasure  were  not  stationary.  Viscount  de  Beau 
mont  gave  an  entertainment  on  board  the  Patriote 
to  the  officials.  Hancock  was  too  sick  to  be  pres 
ent.  The  Frenchmen,  waiting  for  the  slow  process 
of  repairs,  whiled  away  some  hours  accepting  and 
reciprocating  the  invitations  extended  to  them. 

They  were  frequent  visitors  at  the  Hancock 
mansion,  "  some  of  the  officers  dining  there  every 
week."  One  day  General  Hancock,  who  had  in 
vited  thirty  of  the  officers  of  the  fleet  to  breakfast, 
when  the  time  approached,  had  to  notify  his  wife 
to  prepare  for  one  hundred  and  twenty  more. 

In  those  days  there  were  no  facilities  of  caterers 
and  confectioners ;  but  it  was  summer,  so  carts  and 
wagons  were  despatched  into  the  surrounding 
country  for  the  various  fruits  of  the  season ;  and 
orders  were  given  to  milk  all  the  cows  on  the 


i58  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

Common,  Madam  Hancock  notifying  the  servants 
that,  if  objections  were  raised,  they  should  send 
any  complainant  to  her  and  she  would  explain. 
But  no  complaints  were  made  against  this  very 
popular  couple. 

Madam  Hancock  was  at  her  parlor  window, 
and  beheld  all  the  officers  of  the  fleet,  including 
midshipmen,  entering  the  opposite  end  of  the 
mall.  She  said  that,  in  the  brilliant  sun,  the  whole 
Common  looked  "  dedizzened  with  gold  lace ;"  and 
the  glitter  from  the  dazzling  uniforms  made  one 
of  the  finest  sights  she  had  ever  seen.1 

When  they  reached  the  house  Madam  Hancock 
stood  ready  to  receive  them,  with  a  manner  that 
was  distinctive  of  their  court  at  home.  They  were 
most  appreciative  of  the  delicacies  of  the  table, 
and  "  ate  voraciously.  One  of  them  drank  seven 
teen  cups  of  tea."  The  midshipmen  were  thought 
lessly  reckless  in  celebrating  their  freedom  from 
shipboard ;  they  made  prize  of  the  cake  in  the  hall 
as  the  servants  passed  through,  who  went  to  Ma 
dam  Hancock  in  dismay.  She  ordered  it  put  into 
buckets  and  covered  with  napkins ;  thus  it  escaped 
capture  by  these  ravenous  boys.  They  next 
strayed  into  the  garden,  and  made  sad  havoc  with 
the  fruit  trees,  for  which  Count  D'Estaing  after 
wards  apologized.  The  guard  on  the  Common 
were  also  liberally  provided  with  luncheon. 

Madam  Hancock  describes  Count  D'Estaing  as 
a  very  polished  gentleman;  and,  like  a  courtly 


DOROTHY   QUINCY  159 

Frenchman,  on  his  return  to  Paris  he  sent  a  beau 
tiful  fan  to  Madam  Hancock. 

The  officers  reciprocated  the  hospitality  by  an 
entertainment  on  board  ship,  and  Madam  Han 
cock  was  given  the  privilege  of  naming  the  guests. 
She  had  the  seat  of  honor  at  table,  where  her 
curiosity  was  excited  by  a  large  ribbon  rosette 
close  to  the  right  hand.  This  mystery  remained 
unsolved  until  the  moment  when  toasts  were 
given.  The  Admiral  then  requested  her  to  raise 
the  ribbons,  which  had  been  fastened  to  a  rope 
under  the  table.  When  Madam  Hancock  complied 
she  fired  a  signal  gun,  which  started  a  general 
salute  from  all  the  guns  of  the  fleet.  "  She  was 
startled  alike  out  of  her  official  dignity  and  per 
sonal  propriety  by  the  deafening  peal  of  artillery 
that  immediately  and  unexpectedly  ensued."  And 
she  said,  *''  they  were  stunned  by  the  noise  and  en 
veloped  in  smoke." 

The  salute  had  been  a  distinguished  honor  paid 
to  her. 

Those  not  near  the  field  of  battle,  not  brought 
into  contact  with  "  grim-visaged  war,"  realize  little 
of  its  horrors,  and  it  may  be  wisely  condoned  if, 
instead  of  resting  in  gloom,  soul-stirring  gaiety  is 
encouraged  while  cannon  boom. 

General  Washington,  in  1778,  at  camp  in  New 
Jersey,  engaged  in  dances,  dinners  and  amuse 
ments,  which  also  took  place  at  other  headquar 
ters. 


1 60  DOROTHY   QUINCY 

November  I2th  a  number  of  Indian  chiefs  and 
delegates  from  the  Penobscot  and  Nova  Scotia 
tribes  visited  the  French  fleet.  Admiral  D'Estaing 
received  them  on  board  the  Lauguedoc,  and  they 
were  treated  with  marked  civility.  "  He  bestowed 
handsome  presents,  and  gratified  them  with  a  par 
ticular  view  of  the  ships,  at  which  they  expressed 
great  admiration,  and  departed  highly  satisfied." 
The  Indians  were  as  curious  objects  of  study, 
probably  to  D'Estaing  and  his  officers  as  his  ships 
had  been  to  the  red  men. 

It  must  not  be  supposed  that  the  time  of  the 
Frenchmen  was  given  over  entirely  to  pleasure. 
A  Boston  letter  in  a  New  York  paper  of  Septem 
ber  3d  relates  that,  besides  repairing  damages, 
D'Estaing  had  erected  very  formidable  works  on 
George's  Island,  "  in  which  we  hear  he  has  mount 
ed  near  a  hundred  cannon  of  heavy  metal,  which 
he  took  from  his  fleet  for  protection  from,  the 


c-nemv. 


The  British  in  New  York  circulated  their  detri 
mental  stories  of  the  Admiral.  They  reported  that 
he  had  seized  one  of  the  churches  and  converted  it 
into  a  "  popish  chapel,"  where  mass  was  cele 
brated,  and  that  this  caused  "  unspeakable  nittr- 
murings  among  all  the  conscientious  people  of  the 
place."3 

Washington  they  outrageously  villified;  ridicu 
lously  asserting :  "  Those  who  have  served  under 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  161 

him  declare  that  he  keeps  at  more  than  a  safe  dis 
tance  in  the  rear."4 

One  can  form  an  idea  from  this  what  confidence 
is  to  be  placed  in  their  reports. 

General  Hancock  was  elected  a  member  of  the 
convention  to  form  a  constitution  for  the  Com 
monwealth  of  Massachusetts. 

Madam  Hancock  continued  to  sustain  her  high 
position  without  a  word  of  criticism  to  mar  the 
unison  of  their  home.  It  has  been  said  that 
"  Madam  Hancock  gratified  the  ambition  of  her 
husband,  in  presiding  with  so  much  graceful  ease 
at  his  hospitable  board,  and  in  the  social  circle 
that  her  presence  ever  infused  an  enlivening 
charm/'5 

Throngs  of  handsome  women  and  brilliant  men 
gathered  at  the  Hancock  mansion  on  all  state  fes 
tivals  ;  and  it  is  chronicled  that  General  Hancock 
gave  a  superb  ball,  before  the  departure  of  the 
fleet,  at  Concord  Hall,  "  at  which  were  present 
His  Excellency  Count  D'Estaing  and  a  number  of 
officers  belonging  to  the  French  fleet.  There  were 
upwards  of  a  hundred  of  the  principal  ladies  of  the 
town  present,  who,  being  richly  and  elegantly 
dressed,  added  a  most  enchanting  brilliancy  to  the 
evening,  and  in  the  eyes  of  their  countrymen,  at 
least,  gave  no  bad  specimen  of  American  female 
grace  and  beauty."6 

Such  cordiality  towards  the  French  must  have 
softened  the  feeling  engendered  by  the  censures 
first  launched  against  them.  This  was  the  occa- 


16*  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

sion,  I  think,  when  the  invitations  were  printed  on 
playing  cards,  none  other  being  then  imported. 

General  Hancock,  to  cement  still  further  the 
bonds  and  the  amicable  feelings,  gave  to  the  Ad 
miral  a  full  length  portrait  of  George  Washing 
ton.  He  had  it  placed  in  the  centre  of  the  upper 
side  of  the  room,  and  the  frame  covered  with 
laurels,  at  a  dinner  given  "  on  board  the  Lauguc- 
doc  to  a  company  of  gentlemen  and  ladies."7 

These  fair  dames  were  giving  warm  welcome  to 
our  allies  and  receiving  courtesies  from  them  in 
return.  Those  of  Philadelphia  were  extending-  a 
friendly  hand  and  feasting  the  British  officers. 

Lafayette  was  also  to  be  the  recipient  of  a  por 
trait,  and  he  wrote  to  Washington,  "  Give  me  joy, 
my  dear  General.  I  intend  to  have  your  picture, 
and  Mr.  Hancock  has  promised  me  a  copy  of  that 
he  has  in  Boston.  *  *  *  He  gave  one  to  the 
Count  D'Estaing,  and  I  never  saw  a  man  so  glad 
at  possessing  his  sweetheart's  picture  as  the  Ad 
miral  was  to  receive  yours."8 

Hancock  certainly  was  endowed  with  the  art  of 
giving. 

Finally  the  adieux  were  made,  and  in  Novem 
ber  the  French  fleet  set  sail  from  Boston  for  the 
West  Indies,  as  it  was  reported  that  Lord  Byron, 
with  the  English  fleet  and  transports,  had  started 
for  those  islands. 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 

LETTER  TO  GEORGE  WASHINGTON,  ESQ. — THE  Two 
PATRIOTS  ALIENATED — VOLTAIRE — PROPOSALS  OF 
PEACE  THROUGH  FRANKLIN— FRANKLIN'S  REPLY- 
CRITICISMS  OF  JOHN  HANCOCK— His  ENTERTAIN 
ING  UNDER  DIFFICULTIES. 

England  continued  her  parliamentary  wrangles, 
and  continued  forwarding  troops  to  America.  She 
had  no  respect  for  our  generals.  Had  not  Howe 
sent  a  letter  to  the  Commander-in-Chief  and  ad 
dressed  it  to  "  George  Washington,  Esq.,"  the 
bearer  of  which  said  to  Colonel  R—  -  that  he  had 
a  letter  for  "  Mr.  Washington ;"  to  which  the 
Colonel  replied  there  was  no  such  person  in  the 
Army,  and  returned  it.  England  had  summed  up 
our  troops  as  "  renegade  Britons  and  French  sol 
diers  of  fortune,  with  Germans  intermixed."1  Nor 
did  she  understand  her  late  subjects,  strong  in 
their  fealty  until  the  iron  hand  of  taxes  and  injus 
tice  shook  their  allegiance,  and  aroused  the  spirit 
of  discontent  and  revolt. 

During  the  year  1778,  while  Samuel  Adams 
was  absent  in  Philadelphia,  a  break  was  made  in 
his  friendship  with  John  Hancock.  By  skilful  and 
continuous  perversions  their  enemies  succeeded  in 
again  embittering  them  against  each  other.  Adams 


164  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

once  threw  off  inquirers  by  saying,  "  A  trifling 
tale  "2  was  the  cause  of  the  breach. 

Why  should  there  have  been  ill-feeling  at  any 
time  between  these  men?  Both  endowed  with 
forceful  courage;  both  working  for  liberal  prin 
ciples  ;  both  entitled  to  their  meed  of  praise.  These 
two  men  of  granite,  firm  and  immovable  in  their 
patriotism.  We  look  at  one,  in  his  native  strength, 
as  we  admire  a  huge  boulder ;  grand,  without  or 
nament  or  accessory,  superbly  picturesque  in  its 
place.  The  other,  a  polished  block  of  stone, 
equally  solid  and  of  equal  service,  but  of  another 
order  of  value. 

In  1779  Fox  boldly  launched  forth  thus, 
"  Though  Boston  was  to  be  starved;  though  Han 
cock  and  Adams  were  proscribed,  yet  at  the  feet 
of  these  very  men  the  Parliament  of  Great  Britain 
were  obliged  to  kneel,  to  flatter,  to  cringe;  and, 
as  they  had  the  cruelty  at  one  time  to  denounce 
vengeance  against  these  men,  so  they  had  the 
meanness  afterwards  to  prostrate  themselves  be 
fore  them  and  implore  their  forgiveness."3 

The  Confederacy  was  still  in  a  state  of  agita 
tion;  war  had  been  carried  into  the  South,  and 
was  waged  on  land  and  sea,  where  Paul  Jones 
was  making  a  name  for  himself. 

The  press  fired  its  shots  at  the  mother  country, 
and  one  paper  had  an  article  headed,  "  Old  Eng 
land's  Last  Will."  It  was  signed.  "  Cruelty, 
Blindness,  Obstinacy."4 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  165 

The  new  States  were  not  without  their  admir 
ers  abroad.  Dr.  Franklin,  who  was  traveling  in 
Europe  with  his  grandson,  paid  a  visit  to  Vol 
taire,  and  during  the  course  of  conversation 
asked  what  he  thought  of  the  American  Confed 
eracy.  The  poet  replied  he  had  so  good  an  opinion 
that,  had  it  taken  place  forty  years  ago,  he  would 
have  established  himself  in  such  a  free  country. 

While  still  on  the  continent  Franklin  was  the 
recipient  of  a  letter  from  one  Charles  de  Weissen- 
stein,  evidently  an  assumed  name,  who  was  a  secret 
agent  from  England,  to  secure  Franklin's  assist 
ance  in  some  kind  of  proposition  for  peace. 

He  urged  as  an  argument  the  impossibility  that 
England  should  ever  acknowledge  the  independ 
ence  of  the  colonies,  and  said :  "  Should  Parlia 
ment  be  induced  to  do  it,  the  people  of  England 
would  not  approve  it,  and  posterity  would  never 
submit  to  it,"  etc. 

He  then  proceeds  at  much  length  to  state  the 
"  Plan  of  Reconciliation/'  *  *  *  « That,  as 
some  American  gentlemen  have  taken  conspicu 
ous  public  part,  and  as  it  is  unreasonable  that  their 
services  to  their  country  should  deprive  them  of 
those  advantages,  which  their  talents  would  other 
wise  have  gained  them,  the  following  persons  shall 
have  offices,  or  pensions  for  life,  at  their  option, 
namely,  Franklin,  Washington.  Adams,  Hancock, 
etc.  In  case  His  Majesty,  or  his  successors,  should 
ever  create  American  peers,  then  those  persons,  or 


166  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

their  descendants  shall  be  among  the  first  created 
if  they  chose  it." 

There  was  not  much  encouragement  in  Frank 
lin's  plain-spoken  reply,  from  which  I  take  a  few 
extracts.  It  is  dated  Passy,  July  1st,  1778:  "  We 
have  too  much  land  to  have  the  least  temptation 
to  extend  our  territory  by  conquest  from  peace 
able  neighbors,  as  well  as  too  much  justice  to  think 
of  it.  *  *  *  Our  militia,  you  find  by  experience, 
are  sufficient  to  defend  our  lands  from  invasion; 
and  the  commerce  with  us  will  be  defended  by  all 
nations  who  find  an  advantage  in  it ;  we,  therefore, 
have  not  the  occasion  you  imagine  of  fleets  or 
standing  armies,  but  may  leave  those  expensive 
machines  to  be  maintained  for  the  pomp  of  princes 
and  the  wealth  of  ancient  states.  We  propose,  if 
possible  to  live  in  peace  with  all  mankind.  *  * 
We  suspected  before  that  you  would  not  be  actu 
ally  bound  by  your  conciliatory  acts  longer  than 
till  they  had  served  their  purpose  of  inducing  us 
to  disband  our  forces.  *  *  *  We  ought  to  have 
the  least  confidence  in  your  offers,  promises,  or 
treaties,  though  confirmed  by  Parliament.''5 

John  Adams  wrote  to  Gerry  of  a  similar  propo 
sition  that  was  made  to  him,  and  also  to  Lee. 
evidently  emanating  from  the  British  ministry. 
They  also  offered  that  the  Americans  should  be 
governed  by  a  congress  of  American  peers,  created 
and  appointed  by  the  King." 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  167 

How  little  they  appreciated  or  understood  the 
integrity  of  these  men,  invulnerable  to  proffers  of 
rank  and  title;  native  peers  in  their  own  right, 
carved  by  their  o\vn  patriotic  deeds  from  high  re 
solves  and  aims. 

Hancock,  too,  when  approached  by  the  emis 
saries  of  Lord  North,  the  Prime  Minister,  had 
preferred  country  and  principles  to  sinecures.6 

Madam  Hancock  was  of  a  different  organiza 
tion  from  her  husband  and  her  heart  beat  with 
indignation  at  the  unjust  accusations,  or  false 
statements,  promulgated  by  his  opponents.  She 
keenly  felt  the  nettle-stings  and  petty  abuse  direct 
ed  against. him,  instigated  by  British  satellites  and 
sympathizers. 

John  Adams  has  said  that  "  Popularity,  next  to 
virtue  and  wisdom,  ought  to  be  aimed  at ;  for  it  is 
the  dictate  of  wisdom."  Yet  "  it  was  brought 
against  John  Hancock  that  he  loved  popularity."7 

Where  is  to  be  found  the  man  in  public  life  who 
avoids  it  ?  Political  hostility  carped  at  the  wealth 
which  he  prodigally  expended  on  others  instead  of 
selfishly  hoarding.  It  was  an  offense  that  he  trav 
eled  with  a  guard.  Was  it  not  a  necessity,  with  a 
price  set  upon  his  head  ? 

President  Lincoln  was  a  target  for  censure  dur 
ing  the  Civil  War  because  of  the  precaution  taken 
to  have  mounted  soldiers  stationed  at  the  gates  of 
the  White  House. 


168  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

The  times  were  stormy  and  engendered  stormy 
expressions  inimical  to  Hancock,  and  "  his  acts 
were  perverted,  his  motives  misjudged,"  while  he 
was  striving  to  aid  his  country  and  countrymen. 
This  unfriendliness  extended  even  to  1810,  when 
Rev.  John  Eliot,  in  Boston,  speaking  of  his  "  New 
England  Biographical  Dictionary,"  related  that 
several  gentlemen  in  Boston,  Federalists,  said 
"  they  would  not  have  subscribed  to  the  book  had 
they  seen  what  Mr.  Eliot  had  said  of  Samuel 
Adams  and  John  Hancock."8 

To  evince  their  confidence  and  esteem,  those 
who  knew  and  believed  in  General  Hancock,  se 
lected  him  as  their  first  Governor  with  an  over 
whelming  voice.  What  a  roseate  and  golden  sky 
was  this  in  the  horizon  of  Madam  Hancock !  And 
whenever  he  consented  to  be  a  candidate  her  hus 
band  was  chosen  to  that  office  by  an  undisputed 
majority.9 

Though  into  the  life  of  Madam  Hancock  came 
occasional  shadows,  yet  it  was  brilliant  with  many 
matchless,  radiant  days ;  and  it  cannot  be  said  that 
she  led  "  a  life  with  nothing  to  color  or  embellish 
it." 

The  Hancocks  were  indefatigable  in  giving 
pleasure  to  others;  Governor  Hancock  spared  no 
trouble  for  his  guests,  sending  even  fifty  miles  for 
delicacies,  despite  the  rough  and  slow  transporta 
tion  of  that  time.  In  later  years  they  laid  in  liberal 
supplies  for  emergencies,  and  once  had  one  hun- 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  169 

dred  and  fifty  live  turkeys  shut  up,  which  by  day 
were  let  out  to  feed  in  the  pasture. 

He  wrote  to  Henry  Quincy,  at  Providence, 
August  30,  1779,  that  he  was  expecting  "  the  am 
bassadors  "  to  dine  with  him  on  Wednesday,  and 
said,  "  I  have  nothing  to  give  them,  from  the  pres 
ent  prospect  of  our  market.  I  must  beg  the  favor 
of  you  to  recommend  to  my  man  Harry  where  he 
can  get  chickens,  ducks,  geese,  ham,  partridges 
and  mutton,  or  anything  that  will  save  my  repu 
tation  in  a  dinner,  and  by  all  means  some  butter." 
He  also  asks  for  "  good  melons  or  peaches."10 

The  guests  referred  to  were  probably  Chevalier 
de  la  Luzerne,  Minister  from  France ;  M.  de  Val- 
nais,  the  French  Consul;  M.  de  Chavagnes,  cap 
tain  in  the  Royal  French  Navy,  and  others  of  dis 
tinction,  who  visited  Harvard  at  this  time,  Sep 
tember  2,  1779. 

He  concludes  his  letter :  "  I  am  now  preparing 
my  house  for  the  celebration  of  a  wedding  this 
night.  I  have  four  sets  to  marry,  and  propose  that 
they  should  stand  at  the  four  corners  of  the  room 
and  take  it  all  at  once;  they  are  willing,  but  not 
ready." 

Madam  Hancock  had  a  pretty  refined  niece, 
daughter  of  Henry  Quincy,  and  in  one  of  Gover 
nor  Hancock's  letters  to  him  he  writes :  "  Miss 
Eunice  was  under  promise  to  aid  me  in  the  gout, 
but  she  has  failed  me.  I  shall  have  another  touch 
in  a  few  days  designedly  to  make  her  perform  her 


i7o  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

promise;  but,  to  be  serious,  when  Mrs.  Quincy 
can  spare  her,  and  Miss  Eunice  has  an  inclination 
to  spend  two  or  three  weeks  at  my  house,  I  will 
send  for  her.  I  have  a  design  upon  her  not  to  her 
injury,  but  she  is  my  favorite,  and  I  intend  to  get 
her  a  good  husband.  I  expect  an  answer  from 
Miss  Eunice,  under  her  own  hand ;  she  may  write 
to  a  married  man." 

Miss  Eunice  may  have  inherited  some  of  the 
personal  attractions  of  her  father,  who,  when 
twenty-eight  years  old,  was  called  "  the  handsom 
est  man  in  Boston." 


CHAPTER  XXV. 

EUNICE  QUINCY — HER  MARRIAGE — RECEPTION  IN 
FRANCE — MARIE  ANTOINETTE,  GODMOTHER — DE 
VALNAIS'  EXILE— RETURNS  TO  BOSTON— LAFAY 
ETTE  ARRIVES  IN  AMERICA — EXTRACTS  FROM  His 
LETTERS. 

Miss  Eunice  Quincy  made  the  visit  to  Boston, 
and  there  met  Monsieur  de  Valnais,  the  French 
Consul,  who,  on  his  arrival  in  the  country,  had 
been  spoken  of  in  the  highest  terms.1 

He  became  deeply  enamored  with  this  captivat 
ing  young  girl,  and  asked  her  hand  in  marriage. 
Her  parents,  and  the  Hancocks,  would  probably 
have  preferred  a  selection  from  one  of  their  own 
countrymen,  in  order  to  retain  her  near  them ;  but 
the  decrees  of  fate  ruled  otherwise. 

The  wedding  took  place  after  six  months'  court 
ship,  and  two  years  later  Monsieur  de  Valnais  was 
recalled  to  France.  In  one  of  Madame  de  Valnais' 
letters  to  her  mother  she  wrote,  February  2,  1784, 
of  their  kind  reception  at  court ;  and  that  they  had 
many  friends,  who  took  much  notice  of  them  both 
in  a  public  and  private  way.  They  had  dined  with 
Lafayette,  who  gave,  every  Monday,  a  dinner  to 
Americans.  She  says :  "  I  have  spent  five  weeks 
with  Monsieur  de  Valnais'  friends,  who  treated 


I7a  DOROTHY   QUINCY 

me  like  a  princess.  *  *  *  All  the  French  who 
have  ever  been  in  America  throng  here."2 

In  1786,  when  a  child  was  born,  Marie  Antoin 
ette  was  the  godmother  and  sent  a  baby  outfit  for 
the  infant. 

In  her  letter  from  Paris,  February  9,  1786,  she 
tells  how  Lafayette  was  exerting  all  power  and 
influence  at  court,  which  was  not  small  ;  and 
writes:  "  I  dined  with  the  Count  D'Estaing  the 
day  before  yesterday,  who  speaks  incessantly 
of  Mr.  Hancock,  and  said  he  would  write  to  him. 
*  *  *  pje  js  so  £on(j  0£  us  tj.jat  he  comes  ancj 

sees  us  without  any  ceremony." 

Monsieur  de  Valnais  wrote  to  Governor  Han 
cock,  September,  1786:  "  *  *  *  Your  condol 
ing  with  me  in  the  various  disappointments  I  have 
experienced  from  the  court  of  France,  has  in  great 
measure  alleviated  the  burthen  of  the  incredible 
scenes  I  have  passed  through  since  my  departure 
from  North  America.  Patience  and  resignation 
is  my  lot.  The  King  has  granted  a  pension  to  Mme. 
de  Valnais,  and,  though  it  is  a  small  one,  still  it  is 
looked  on  here  as  very  honorable.  Many  powerful 
friends  are  wishing  me  well." 

Later  Monsieur  de  Valnais  "  was  pursued  by 
the  emissaries  of  Robespierre."  "  Fright  and 
agony  of  mind  fatally  affected  the  health  of  his 
wife,"  and,  after  her  loss,  one  misfortune  followed 
another. 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  173 

Monsieur  de  Valnais  wrote  to  Madam  Hancock, 
in  1793,  from  Paris.  Again  he  wrote  in  1798,  be 
fore  he  went  into  exile  with  his  daughter  and  son. 
residing  in  Italy  and  in  England  until  the  restora 
tion.  He  spoke  of  his  misfortune  in  losing  Ma 
dame  de  Valnais,  and  referred  gracefully  and  af 
fectionately  to  her  family  in  Boston.3  He  said: 
"  Be  assured  I  never  have  nor  ever  will  forget 
North  America.  My  friends  in  that  country  will 
ever  be  the  dearest  objects  to  me  in  the  world." 

Madame  de  Valnais  had  hoped  to  return  to 
America  some  day  to  see  her  relatives.  There  was 
a  tender  spot  in  her  heart  for  her  early  friends ;  a 
strong  current  of  feeling  towards  those  who  had 
held  her  girlhood  confidences ;  who  had  seen  her 
step  buoyantly  out  into  that  world  of  rainbow  hues 
and  promises — that  bewildering  world,  sparkling 
like  the  diamond,  which  later  she  found  had  the 
diamond's  hardness. 

The  revolving  wheel  of  fortune  returned  Mar 
quis  de  Valnais  to  Boston  as  consul  in  1816,  and 
he  brought  with  him  his  daughter. 

An  entry  in  the  diary  of  Miss  Eunince  Quincy 
has  an  account  of  the  dinner  her  mother  gave  to 
the  de  Valnais' :  "  Miss  de  Valnais  wore  a  plain 
India  muslin,  edged  with  thread-lace,  a  blue  belt 
and  ribbons;  a  lady  in  dress  and  manner.  She 
expressed  great  interest  in  looking  at  the  old  por 
traits.  She  speaks  English  correctly,  though  not 
very  fluently.  I  never  saw  anyone  who  had  so 


174  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

much  simplicity  in  manner,  though  fashionable  in 
appearance."4 

"  A  comfortable  sinecure  was  given  to  Marquis 
de  Valnais;  and  at  his  death  Calista  retired  to  a 
convent." 

Lafayette,  to  whom  Congress,  when  asked,  had 
granted  unlimited  leave  of  absence,  as  his  own 
country  was  then  at  war,  now  returned  to  Boston 
and  aroused  transports  of  enthusiasm.  Crowds 
ran  to  the  shore  and  received  him  with  loud  ac 
clamations.  He  was  carried  in  triumph  to  the 
house  of  Governor  Hancock,  from  whence  he  set 
out  for  headquarters. 

A  gentleman,  who  later  arrived  at  Boston  in  a 
French  frigate,  related  that  the  Marquis  de  la 
Fayette,  when  he  took  leave  at  the  French  court, 
was  dressed  in  his  American  uniform.  The  par 
ticular  attachment  of  the  Marquis  to  America  led 
him  to  the  choice  of  this  dress  on  the  occasion, 
and  the  King  paid  a  delicate  compliment  to  his 
new  allies  in  this  indulgence;  it  being  an  unusual 
thing  for  a  French  nobleman  to  appear  at  court  in 
a  foreign  uniform.5 

One  of  Lafayette's  letters  home  contains  this 
tribute :  '  The  American  women  are  very  pretty, 
have  great  simplicity  of  character;  and  the  ex 
treme  neatness  of  their  appearance  is  truly  de 
lightful.  Cleanliness  is  everywhere  even  more  stu 
diously  attended  to  here  than  in  England."6 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  175 

These  were  the  pleasing  impressions  made  by 
uiir  revolutionary  dames. 

In  another  letter  he  wrote :  "  The  inhabitants 
are  as  agreeable  as  my  enthusiasm  had  led  me  to 
imagine.  Simplicity  of  manner,  kindness  of  heart, 
love  of  country  and  of  liberty,  and  a  delightful 
state  of  equality,  are  met  with  universally."7 

He  reproached  an  Anglican  minister  in  Boston 
with  speaking  only  of  Heaven.  The  following 
Sunday  he  went  again  to  hear  him,  and  the  words 
in  his  discourse,  of  "  the  execrable  house  of  Han 
over,"  proved  the  docility  of  the  minister.  And 
Lafayette  adds,  "  Republicanism  breathed  also 
from  the  pulpit." 

The  Marquis  was  most  careful  not  to  give  of 
fense,  and  wrote  to  Duke  D'Ayen,  1777 :  "  I  will 
not  talk  much  for  fear  of  saying  foolish  things.  I 
will  still  less  risk  acting  much  for  fear  of  doing 
foolish  things."8 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 

JOHN  HANCOCK  ELECTED  GOVERNOR — His  POPULAR 
ITY  —  HANCOCK  ENTERTAINMENTS  —  FOREIGNERS' 
IMPRESSIONS  OF  BOSTON — JUDGE  QUINCY  HEARS 
FROM  ESTHER  AND  HER  SON — His  REPLIES. 

The  constitution  of  the  commonwealth  was 
formed  September,  1779,  and  John  Hancock  ap 
pointed  Governor.  In  his  inaugural  address  he 
says :  "  A  due  observance  of  the  Lord's  Day  is 
not  only  important  to  internal  religion,  but  greatly 
conducive  to  the  order  and  benefit  of  civil  society. 
It  speaks  to  the  senses  of  mankind,  and,  by  a  sol 
emn  cessation  from  their  common  affairs,  reminds 
them  of  a  deity  and  their  accountableness  to  the 
great  Lord  of  all." 

And  this  was  the  guide  of  both  Hancock  and  his 
wife  throughout  their  lives. 

After  Hancock  was  elected  the  announcement 
was  made  from  the  balcony  of  the  State  House  to 
the  crowd  below,  who  received  it  with  vehement 
shouts  of  joy.  The  militia  fired,  and  the  cannon 
from  the  Castle,  the  artillery  and  the  shipping  in 
the  harbor  joined  in  with  their  salvos.  "  Then  the 
Governor,  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representa 
tives  attended  divine  service  at  the  Old  Brick 
Meeting-house." 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  177 

John  Hancock  was  annually  chosen  Governor 
until  1785,  when  illness  obliged  him  to  resign. 
On  regaining  health,  in  1787,  he  was  again  called 
to  the  office,  which  he  held  until  his  death,  1793. 
Hancock's  administration  was  highly  commended, 
and  there  was  great  unanimity  of  opinion  as  to  his 
efficient  rule.  I  give  a  few  extracts : 

"  When  Massachusetts,  parting  the  last  tie  that 
bound  her  to  colonial  vassalage,  shaped  out  the 
largest  liberty-wise  laws  for  her  future  guidance, 
she  selected  Hancock  for  her  chief,  and  annually, 
while  he  lived,  repeated  this  mark  of  her  confi 
dence  and  grateful  affection."2 

"  On  assuming  the  chair  his  language  was  man 
ly  and  decisive,  and,  by  his  moderation  and  lenity, 
the  civil  convulsion  was  completely  quieted,  with 
out  the  shedding  of  blood,  by  the  hands  of  the  Civil 
Magistrate."3 

"  Perhaps  no  man  in  the  commonwealth  had 
talents  better  fitted  to  maintain  the  tranquillity  of 
society  and  the  necessary  authority  to  the  Govern 
ment,  when  he  took  the  chair."4 

There  was  a  current  of  restlessness  pervading 
Massachusetts,  and  Madam  Hancock  saw  her  hus 
band  harassed  at  the  excited  state  of  the  populace. 
Though  his  sympathies  were  with  them,  when  in 
contact  with  the  people  he  did  nothing  to  inflame 
their  wrath.  He  calmed  their  outbursts;  cooled 
the  heat  of  the  most  hot-headed.  He  strengthened 
those  of  weak  heart,  and,  with  it  all,  he  worked  for 


178  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

order,  which  was  always  his  aim.  Passion  was  not 
to  lead,  but  the  slower  pace  of  conviction. 

The  Hancock  house  was  thronged  with  visitors, 
and  from  all  stations  of  life  they  were  welcome  at 
his  table — titled  nobleman  and  humble  citizen ;  the 
gay,  and  the  serious.  Here  gathered  the  wits  of 
the  day,  their  sparkling  scintillations  a  relief  after 
the  hours  of  heavy  work ;  and  the  smooth,  old 
wines  incited  and  stimulated  the  jeu.v  d' esprit. 

Madam  Hancock  was  present  at  most  of  the 
Governor's  entertainments,  which  lent  a  refined 
tone,  and  accorded  with  Hancock's  own  taste.  She 
did  the  honors,  with  quiet  affability,  and  was  emi 
nently  qualified  for  the  new  position.  Many  gentle 
acts  of  kindness  were  unobtrusively  extended,  and 
her  consideration  of  others  was  shown,  after  the 
capture  of  Burgoyne,  "  by  extending  her  courte 
sies  to  the  ladies  of  his  army  while  at  Cambridge, 
under  the  treaty  with  Gates.  They  were  grate 
fully  received  by  the  fair  Britons  and  ever  remem 
bered."5 

Numerous  travelers  published  their  impressions 
of  Boston  at  this  period.  The  Marquis  de  Chastel- 
leux,  Major-General  under  Count  Rochambeau, 
pronounced  the  women  as  having  "  elegance  and 
refinement  and  also,  as  being  well  dressed,  and, 
in  general,  good  dancers,  though  the  men  were 
very  awkward,  especially  in  the  minuet."6 

We  have  the  Frenchman's  impressions  of  Gov 
ernor  Hancock  when  he  says :  "  Had  a  long  con- 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  179 

versation  with  him,  in  which  I  easily  discovered 
that  energy  of  character  which  had  enabled  him  to 
act  so  distinguished  a  part  in  the  present  revolu 
tion."  He  designates  him,  "  Mr.  Hancock,  that 
martyr  to  the  public  cause."7 

Another  Frenchman  dilates  thus :  "  These 
dames  were  most  extravagant  in  their  dress,  and 
appeared  at  church  in  the  finest  of  silks — over 
shadowed  with  a  profusion  of  the  most  superb 
plumes.  The  hair  of  the  head  is  raised  and  sup 
ported  upon  cushions  to  an  extravagant  height."8 

The  following  verdict  is  from  another  pen : 
"  Families  are  happy,  and  they  are  pure  because 
they  are  happy." 

A  Frenchman,  aide  to  General  Rochambeau, 
puts  his  views  into  print.  Boston,  he  thinks  "  ex 
tremely  pretty,"  and  before  the  war  it  must  have 
been  a  "  charming  residence."  ie  The  inhabitants 
dine  at  two  o'clock.  In  the  afternoon  at 
five  o'clock,  tea  is  again  taken,  Madeira  wine 
and  punch  ;  this  ceremony  lasting  until  ten 
o'clock,  when  they  go  again  to  table  and  take  a 
supper,  somewhat  less  considerable  than  the  din 
ner.  At  each  meal  the  cloth  is  removed,  the  des 
sert  is  served,  and  fruit  is  brought.  They  live  ab 
solutely  in  the  English  manner." 

[n  his  diary  he  notes,  May  /th :  "  The  morning  I 
landed,  and  my  first  care,  after  having  called  upon 
the  Consul  of  France,  was  to  have  him  present 
me  to  the  famous  Mr.  Hancock,  Governor  of  Bos 
ton."  But,  having  no  command  of  the  English 


V 


i8«  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

language,  he  hoped  to  meet  Hancock  again  before 
leaving  the  country  to  have  some  conversation, 
when  he  could  "  form  an  opinion  of  his  intellectual 
powers/'  arid  to  judge  for  himself  of  what  he  had 
heard  concerning  him.9 

This  officer,  after  he  had  joined  the  Army,  re 
turned  to  Boston  to  hunt  up  his  missing  luggage, 
and  went  to  Cambridge  to  take  a  look  at  Harvard. 
He  writes :  "  The  night  caught  me  at  a  mile  or 
so  from  the  town,  and  I  was  not  a  little  surprised 
to  see  the  two  meadows  on  the  sides  of  the  road  I 
was  riding  upon  covered  with  sparks  of  fire,  ex 
tending  from  the  surface  of  the  ground  to  some 
rive  or  six  feet  above.  I  at  first  ascribed  it  to  the 
extreme  heat  of  the  last  five  days,  but  I  hardly 
knew  what  to  think  when,  all  at  once,  I  saw  some 
which  seemed  to  come  out  of  the  road  upon  which 
I  was.  I  saw  them  even  on  the  ground,  and  all 
around  me.  I  got  down  suddenly  from  my  horse 
to  pick  up  one  of  these  sparks,  which  seemed  to 
me  so  extraordinary,  and  I  could  not  have  more 
astonishment  by  anything  than  I  was,  at  finding 
in  my  hand  a  sort  of  fly,  which  threw  out  a  great 
light.  This  insect  is  in  this  country  called  the 
fire- fly." 

Judge  Quincy  received  letters  from  his  daughter 
Esther  (Mrs.  Sewell),  and  many  precautions  were 
taken  to  prevent  their  interception.  Esther's  warm 
nature  turned  to  her  old  home,  where  each  mem 
ber  was  held  in  affection,  and  there  is  the  unre 
strained,  irrepressible  longing  to  see  them;  the 


EDMUND  QUINCY   IV. 

(Father  of  Dorothy  Quincy.) 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  181 

sigh  to  return ;  to  meet  once  more.  Her  father 
deeply  touched,  pours  out  words  of  comfort,  and 
writes:  "  Nevertheless,  I  am  happy  in  being  able 
to  say  that  your  brothers  and  sisters,  with  myself 
will,  with  open  hearts  and  arms,  receive  and  em 
brace  both  you  and  yours."10 

Then  he  speaks  sadly  of  his  old  age,  and  that  he 
may  not  have  that  happiness.  But  how  his  heart 
must  have  pined  to  see  again  his  brilliant,  absent 
daughter ! 

Esther  trained  up  her  sons  to  regard  with  af 
fection  their  distant  relatives,  and  her  boy  of  ten 
years  writes  to  his  grandfather  a  long  letter,  which 
showed  a  carefully  and  wonderfully  developed 
mind.  One  can  figure  the  sensitive  Judge  perus 
ing  it,  wiping  the  moisture  from  his  glasses,  as 
tears  of  sorrow  and  of  joy  cloud  his  eyes. 

He  writes  to  his  "  Dear  Daughter/'  June  19, 
1781: 

I  have  also  received  one  other  letter  from 
my  agreeable  grandson  Stephen,  which  comes  as  from 
ye  dead.  :  However,  upon  discovering  the  truth, 

I  was  the  more  joyous  that  a  grandson,  supposed  to  be 
dead,  was  alive,  and  from  the  specimen  of  his  epis 
tolary  abilities  I  promise  myself  a  continuance  of  his 
filial  regards  of  a  similar  nature,  and  should  the  next 
be  either  in  French  or  Latin,  it  will  enhance  ye  value 
and  oblige  me  to  answer  in  specie.  *  *  *  I  observe 
your  kind  wishes  to  see  ye  days  of  peace  return,  that 
you  might  have  again  ye  pleasure  of  seeing  ye  friends 
in  ye  land  of  ye  nativity.  I  assure  yon  those  wishes  are 
echoed  back  from  hence  with  similar  warmth.  Until 
the  blessed  period  arrives,  which  may  open  a  door  of 
hope,  let  us  thankfully  improve  ye  great  favor  of  our 
reciprocal  abilities  of  communicating  our  ideas  more 
than  3000  miles."' 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 

BOSTON  IN  1781  — MADAM  HANCOCK  .  VISITS  PORTS 
MOUTH — HANCOCK'S  EFFORTS  FOR  THE  PEOPLE — 
SURRENDER  OF  CORNWALLIS — MADAM  HANCOCK'S 
KINDNESS  TO  THE  SICK— RECEPTION  TO  ROCHAM- 
BEAU— HANCOCK'S  MODE  OF  LIVING — MADAM 
HANCOCK  ON  COMMENCEMENT  DAY — HANCOCK  AS 
PEACE-MAKER. 

Boston,  which  in  1781,  had  recovered  from  the 
havoc  of  the  siege,  is  thus  portrayed  by  Abbe 
Robins,  a  chaplain  in  the  French  Army :  "  A  mag 
nificent  prospect  of  houses,  built  on  a  curved  line, 
and  extending  afterwards  into  a  semi-circle  above 
half  a  league.  *  *  *  These  edifices,  which 
were  lofty  and  regular,  with  spires  and  cupolas 
intermixed  at  proper  distances,  did  not  seem  to  us 
a  modern  settlement  so  much  as  an  ancient  city, 
enjoying  all  the  embellishments  of  population  that 
never  fail  to  attend  on  commerce  and  the  arts. 
*  The  form  and  construction  of  the  houses 
would  surprise  an  European  eye."1 

Madam  Hancock  made  occasional  visits  from 
this  attractive  city  to  her  niece,  residing  in  Ports 
mouth,  N.  H.  Her  little  son  accompanied  her,  a 
graceful  boy,  who  danced  at  one  of  the  Governor's 
entertainments,  and  was  much  complimented  by 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  183 

the  guests.  She  traveled  in  a  coach  drawn  by  four 
horses,  with  two  outriders,  postilion,  coachman, 
footman,  servants  in  livery  and  seven  horses.  They 
were  two  days  making  this  trip  of  sixty  miles. 
But  it  had  once  taken  a  fortnight  to  go  from  the 
North  to  Philadelphia. 

Madam  Hancock  relates  that  on  that  occasion 
they  stopped  over  for  rest  at  a  village,  and  she 
found  her  horses  so  jaded  the  next  day  that  they 
could  not  continue  the  journey.  Investigating  the 
cause,  it  was  discovered  they  had  been  used  during 
the  night  for  a  pleasure  excursion  in  honor  of  St. 
Patrick.2 

Governor  Hancock  was  a  steadfast  friend  and 
defender  of  the  colored  race.  They  annually 
inarched  in  front  of  his  house,  when  he  addressed 
them  from  the  balcony.  He  presented  "  a  silk  flag, 
on  which  were  the  initials  of  J.  H.  and  G.  W.," 
to  a  company  of  colored  soldiers  called  "  The 
Bucks  of  America/'3 

For  the  relief  of  the  poor  he  gave  the  free  use  of 
his  extensive  wood  lot  in  the  town  of  Milton.4 

To  amuse  the  people  "  he  instituted  the  playing 
of  music,  at  his  own  expense  on  the  Common,  in 
front  of  his  house."5 

This  is  an  instance  of  their  appreciation  of  his 
thoughtfulness  and  attachment  to  him :  When  he 
came  out  of  the  State  House  one  day,  to  enter  the 
carriage  in  which  his  wife  was  waiting,  the  pop 
ulace  commenced  to  unharness  the  horses,  with 


184  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

the  purpose  of  drawing  the  carriage  themselves. 
Four  hundred  men  had  already  formed  in  proces 
sion  for  that  purpose.  The  Governor  was  greatly 
overcome  by  this  demonstration  of  public  respect, 
but,  feeling  ill  at  the  time,  requested  his  wife  to 
speak  to  the  crowd  from  the  carriage  window ;  to 
tell  them  that  he  was  overwhelmed  by  the  honor 
they  desired  to  confer  upon  him  and  gratefully 
acknowledged  the  kind  feelings  that  prompted  the 
act ;  but,  in  his  weak  state,  he  begged  them  to  let 
the  horses  take  him  home.6 

Governor  Hancock  gave  to  Massachusetts  his 
time,  his  money,  his  thought.  What  was  given 
him  in  return?  A  countless  number  of  warm 
hearts,  evincing  their  affection  whenever  he  ap 
peared,  and,  while  he  lived,  retaining  him  as  their 
ruler. 

In  October,  1781,  came  the  surrender  of  Corn- 
wallis.  The  Providence  Gazette  states  that,  imme 
diately  after  the  news  was  promulgated  by  Gover 
nor  Hancock,  "  Every  token  of  joy  was  expressed 
by  the  good  people  of  Boston.  The  bells  of  the 
various  churches  were  ringing  through  the  greater 
part  of  the  day,  and  with  as  merry  a  peal  as  we 
have  heard  since  they  rung  the  departure  of 
Francis  Bernard.  The  ships  in  the  harbor,  both 
French  and  American,  were  adorned  with  the  full 
display  of  colors  of  almost  all  nations.  The  field 
pieces  of  the  town  and  the  cannon  from  the  ships 
were  also  warmly  employed  in  proclaiming  the 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  185 

general  joy.  On  the  houses  were  hoisted  the  re 
spective  flags  of  France,  Spain  and  America.  But 
the  most  agreeable  signs  on  the  occasion  were  the 
faces  of  our  fellow-citizens.  They  were  all  (a 
wretched  few  exceptions) the  emblems  of  triumph 
ant  freedom/'7 

In  every  home  there  prevailed  a  feeling  of  relief 
that  this  was  to  terminate  the  war;  seven  long 
years  of  intense  suffering  and  solicitude  had 
brought  its  results.  It  was  truly  a  grand  occa 
sion  for  rejoicing,  though  the  British  still  held 
New  York,  Charleston  and  Savannah.  A  joyous 
jubilee  must  have  resounded  through  that  old 
colonial  home — exultations  of  triumph  under  the 
Hancock  roof,  where  the  Governor,  with  his  lady, 
were  thrilled  with  as  earnest,  hearty  emotion  as 
any  guest  present.  What,  if  one  member  of  Par 
liament  had  hurled  his  abuse  at  Americans,  "  call 
ing  their  opposition  the  war  of  Hancock  and  his 
crew/'8  he  could  now  be  pardoned  the  scoff! 

Madam  Hancock  continued  her  humane  work. 
Lavishly  extending  her  hospitality  to  those  in 
health,  she  was  equally  considerate  of  those  who 
suffered. 

John  Trumbull,  after  righting  for  his  country, 
had  turned  his  attention  to  art,  in  which  he  became 
famous.  He  was  very  ill  in  Boston,  and  Governor 
Hancock  went  at  once  to  see  him,  though  there  had 
been  some  friction  between  them  at  one  time. 


186  DOROTHY   QUINCY 

Trumbull  wrote  of  the  visit :  "  With  great  kind 
ness  he  insisted  that  1  should  be  removed  to  his 
house  immediately,  where,  if  my  illness  should  be 
come  serious,  I  could  be  more  carefully  attended 
than  was  possible  in  a  boarding-house.  I  made 
light  of  my  illness,  and,  with  many  thanks,  de 
clined  his  pressing  invitation."9 

Boston  kept  up  a  continuous  ebullition  of  excite 
ment,  either  from  war  and  its  effect  or  festivities 
and  rejoicings,  of  which  the  Hancocks  were  the 
centre  and  potential  movers.  In  December,  1782. 
we  find  there  one  of  the  grandest  pageants  of  the 
period,  given  to  Count  Rochambeau  and  his  forces. 
On  the  nth  of  the  month,  Governor  Hancock  and 
Council  gave  a  banquet  to  the  Marquis  de  Vau- 
dreuil  and  officers  of  the  fleet.  John  Paul  Jones 
was  one  of  the  guests. ]0 

Governor  Hancock,  who  kept  open  house  for 
his  friends,  had  every  morning  a  large  bowl  of 
punch  made,  as  was  the  custom  in  the  best  fam 
ilies,  and  placed  in  a  cooler.  The  delicacies  of  the 
season  were  always  to  be  found  on  his  table,  and, 
as  Madam  Hancock  said  to  her  niece  later  in  life, 
"The  Governor's  hobby  was  his  dinner  table;" 
and  she  continued  her  interest  in  it  to  the  close  of 
her  days. 

Hancock  liked  everything  of  silver,  and  his  din 
ner  table  was  resplendent  with  its  mass  of  silver 
dishes,  silver  candlesticks,  cut-glass,  fine  china 
and  other  decorations.  "  There  was  a  silver  tank- 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  i»7 

arcl  to  hold  hot  punch  that  he  called  Solomon 
Townsend,  in  honor  of  a  friend  ;  and  a  large  porter 
cup,  holding  two  quarts  or  more,  with  massive 

handles."11 

A  writer  tells  us  of  Hancock's  scarlet  coat,  with 
ruffles  on  the  sleeves,  that  he  at  times  wore.  This 
met  with  its  meed  of  approbation  and  appreciation, 
and  soon  became  a  prevailing  fashion. 

It  is  related  of  Dr.  Nathan  Jacques,  the  famous 
pedestrian  of  West  Newbury,  that  he  passed  all 
the  way  from  that  place  to  Boston,  in  one  day,  to 
procure  cloth  for  a  coat  like  that  of  John  Hancock, 
and  returned  with  it  under  his  arm  on  foot.12 

Madam  Hancock  tells  her  niece  that  the  life  of 
Governor's  lady  had  its  onerous  duties  as  well  as 
its  pleasures.  When  there  was  a  commencement  at 
Harvard  the  Governor  was  escorted  by  the  Boston 
Cadets,  who  for  a  number  of  years  breakfasted 
with  him  on  that  morning  at  a  very  early  hour. 
This  obliged  Madam  Hancock  to  summon  her 
hair-dresser  at  four  o'clock  in  order  that  she  might 
be  promptly  in  readiness,  which  made  a  day  of 
great  fatigue. 

Governor  Hancock  is  described,  in  1782,  as  still 
continuing  his  "  handsome  style  of  dress  and  gra 
cious  manner  of  dignified  complaisance."1 

His  conciliatory  efforts  were  again  called  into 
requisition,  as  a  bitter  feeling  had  existed  before 
the  war  between  the  north  and  south-enders  of 
the  town  on  "  Pope's  day."  November  5th,  the 


i88  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

anniversary  of  the  Gunpowder  Plot.  This  was 
not  only  shown  in  private  transactions,  but  in 
"  public  and  most  sanguinary  riots." 

Wishing  to  heal  the  differences,  Hancock  exert 
ed  every  means  without  avail.  He  then  gave  a 
dinner  at  the  Green  Dragon,  and  invited  the  prom 
inent  opposing  partisans.  The  hot-headed,  the 
cool,  the  deliberate  and  the  excitable  gathered, 
giving  him  their  earnest  attention.  Many  a  time 
before  had  he  quelled  their  turbulence ;  and  now, 
with  his  moderation  and  judgment,  warm  elo 
quence  and  flowing  phrases,  he  allayed  the  trou 
bled  passions,  pleading  the  great  cause  they 
should  harmoniously  uphold. 

This  dinner  cost  him  one  thousand  dollars  ;14 
but  his  object  was  attained.  *'  Before  they  parted 
they  shook  hands  and  pledged  their  united  exer 
tions  to  break  the  chains  with  which  they  were 
manacled." 

Here  we  see  the  happy  faculty  of  Hancock  in 
smoothing  away  obstacles ;  and  it  has  been  said 
of  him  that  "  In  his  public  speeches,  also  to  the 
Legislature,  he  acquitted  himself  with  a  degree  of 
popular  eloquence  seldom  equaled." 

His  clemency  is  seen  in  the  pardon  of  fourteen 
persons  who  had  received  sentence  of  death. 

An  appreciative  writer  says  of  Hancock : 

"  Let  virtuosi,  with  assiduous  dread. 
Preserve  from  rust  a  medalled  Caesar's  head  : 
Freemen  will  keep,  with  more  industrious  aim. 
From  slander's  vile  aspersion  HANCOCK'S  fame."15 


CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

TREATY  AT  PARIS— HANCOCK,  THE  FRIEND  OF  THE  SOL 
DIER—ENDANGERS  His  FORTUNE— His  MONEY 
TRUNK— PERSISTENCE  IN  WORK— His  SON  INOCU 
LATED. 

After  long  years  of  war  paeans  of  gladness  rung 
through  every  town  for  at  Paris  the  treaty  was 
completed  that  finally  established  the  independence 
of  the  United  States  of  America ;  and  now  the  col 
onies,  though  poor  in  treasury,  were  rich  in  free 
dom.  The  Army  was  disbanded.  The  continental 
money  was  nearly  worthless,  and  the  poor  sol 
diers  were  wronged  by  pay  in  this  depreciated  cur 
rency. 

Governor  Hancock  stood  by  the  soldiers.  His 
liberality  had  long  been  proverbial;  but  what 
could  compare  to  this — he  gave  them  dollar  for 
dollar  in  good  money  and  took  in  return  their  val 
ueless  paper,  for  which  he  received  only  one  cent 
on  the  dollar  when  he  came  to  dispose  of  it.  He 
once  paid  out  $2,500  of  these  poor  bills  for  a  bell- 
metal  skillet,  the  price  of  which,  in  good  money 
was  twenty-five  dollars.  This  rash  prodigality 
the  Governor  continued  until  friends  became 
alarmed  at  the  drain  upon  his  fortune,  and  advised 


DOROTHY  QUINCY 

Madam  Hancock  to  have  the  "  money  trunk  *'  re 
moved  from  the  house,  as  they  feared  that  she  and 
her  child  would  be  left  penniless !  It  was  bold 
advice  to  a  wife,  and  a  high-handed  proceeding,  yet 
it  was  accomplished,  and  the  trunk  taken  to  a  se 
cure  place  not  so  accessible  to  Hancock's  whole- 
souled  generosity.  He  seems  to  have  submitted  to 
this  with  good  grace,  since  it  had  the  sanction  of 
the  woman  he  loved. 

Hancock,  while  attending  to  public  duties,  had 
entrusted  his  private  affairs  to  the  supervision  of 
others,  a  neglect  which  somewhat  impaired  his 
property,  and  John  Adams  says :  "  If  Hancock's 
fortune  had  not  been  very  large,  he  would  have 
died  poor."  But  he  had  real  estate  through  New 
England  as  well  as  in  Boston. 

Madam  Hancock's  principal  solicitude  was  her 
husband's1  health.  She  urged  him  to  give  more 
consideration  to  it,  but  in  his  mind  the  State  was 
paramount,  and  he  continued  his  indefatigable  ap 
plication.2 

In  one  of  his  letters  to  a  friend  dated  November 
14,  1783,  he  writes:  "  I  have  for  ten  years  past 
devoted  myself  to  the  concern  of  the  public.  I  can 
truly  boast  I  set  out  upon  honest  principles  and 
strictly  adhered  to  them  to  the  close  of  the  con 
test,  and  this  I  defv  malice  itself  to  controvert."8 


CHAPTER  XXIX. 

LAFAYETTE  FETED  IN  BOSTON — HANCOCK'S  FAILING 
HEALTH — ILLUSTRIOUS  GUESTS — THE  GOVERNOR 
RESIGNS — His  IRRITABILITY  FROM  GOUT. 

The  great  fear  of  small-pox,  the  scourge  of 
those  early  days,  led  Madam  Hancock  to  subject 
her  small  boy  to  the  torture  of  inoculation ;  and 
Judge  Quincy  writes,  September  25,  1783,  "  I  con 
gratulate  Dolly  on  her  son's  courage  in  being  inoc 
ulated."1 

In  August,  1784,  the  anniversary  of  the  battle 
of  Yorktown,  Lafayette  was  again  in  Boston.  A 
magnificent  military  procession,  bearing  flags  of 
America  and  France,  escorted  him  to  the  town. 
Amid  music,  the  ringing  of  bells,  unceasing  accla 
mations  from  the  crowd,  and  guns  firing  salutes, 
he  was  conducted  to  the  Bunch-of-Grapes  Tavern. 
A  great  banquet  was  then  given  him  at  Faneuil 
Hall,  where  he  was  received  by  Governor  Han 
cock,  "  with  five  hundred  other  gentlemen."2  In 
the  evening  the  streets  were  illuminated,  and  a 
brilliant  ball  took  place  at  Madam  Haley's,  fire 
works  dazzling  the  scene. 

Governor  Hancock's  malady  increased  in  sever 
ity  until  it  finally  obliged  him  to  resign  from  the 


192  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

Gubernatorial  chair.  He  had  for  some  time  been 
dependent  on  assistance  in  order  to  move,  and 
there  were  occasions  when  the  Governor  would 
not  forego  his  hospitality,  though  unable  to  sit  at 
table  with  the  guests,  but  was  wheeled  around  in  a 
chair,  stopping  to  exchange  greeting  with  each 
one.  Madam  Hancock  relates,  in  connection  with 
his  suffering,  that  once  when  he  returned  from 
public  business  the  servants  took  him  from  the 
carriage  in  their  arms,  and  he  was  laid  upon  a  sofa 
until  the  new  suit  that  he  wore  was  cut  off  to 
relieve  the  pain,  and  he  was  then  carried  to  his 
sleeping-room. 

The  Hancocks  continued  to  receive  illustrious 
visitors,  and  Governor  Hancock  added  to  his  hall 
of  paintings  the  portraits  of  several  of  their 
friends  at  his  own  expense.  Lafayette  and  Wash 
ington  had  been  guests  under  his  roof,  and  Ma 
dam  Hancock  had  also  assisted  in  entertaining 
''  Brissot,  Chief  of  the  Girondists,  Lords  Stanley, 
Wortley,  Labouchiere,  and  Bourganville."3  Prince 
Edward  had  paid  his  respects,  and  Madam  Han 
cock  found  him  quite  agreeable,  though  she  was 
startled,  but  not  disconcerted,  when  he  asked  what 
she  thought  of  his  red  whiskers,  and  met  the  ques 
tion  with  her  usual  felicity. 

January  29,  1785,  Governor  Hancock  sent  in  his 
resignation.  He  wrote  that  his  infirm  state  of 
health  rendered  him  incapable  of  giving  that  atten 
tion  to  public  business  that  was  expected,  etc. 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  193 

Madam  Hancock  was  distressed  at  seeing  her 
husband  now  succumb  to  pain,  for  he  was  often 
confined  to  his  room.  Naturally  the  long-contin 
ued  torture  affected  his  nerves,  and  gradually, 
under  its  pressure,  came  a  change  of  temper,  but 
not  of  feeling ;  for  throughout  his  life  there  burnt 
the  steady  flame  of  love  and  devotion  that  left  no 
cinders  of  affection  for  the  "  Dear  Dolly." 

Madam  Hancock  tranquilly  endured  these  at 
tacks  of  irritability,  so  in  contrast  to  his  former 
self,  as  she  understood  their  source.  To  their 
friends  it  was  a  source  of  uneasiness  and  regret. 

Sullivan  speaks  of  his  "  general  affability  and 
kindliness  of  manner."4  Even  his  opponents  had 
credited  him  with  "  fine  manners  and  soft,  mild 
address." 

I  will  relate  an  instance  of  this  petulancy.  Ma 
dam  Hancock  states  that  the  Governor  always  ex 
acted  obedience  from  the  servants.  His  nerves 
were  high  strung  by  long  sickness,  and  the  least 
noise  grated  on  them.  Hancock  had  ordered  from 
abroad  pewter  plates  decorated  with  his  coat-of- 
arms,  a  fad  of  the  day,  a  few  of  which  are  still 
owned  in  his  family,  having  survived  the  fashion. 
Orders  had  been  given  that  these  plates  were  to 
be  used,  as  the  clatter  from  the  china  penetrated  to 
his  room ;  but  I  suspect  the  fair  dame  was  averse 
to  the  innovation,  preferring  their  beautiful  India 
service. 


194  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

One  day  the  sharp  click  penetrated  to  Governor 
Hancock's  bedroom.  Cato  was  summoned  and 
asked  if  the  china  plates  were  on  the  table.  He 
replied  only  those  with  the  cheese.  He  was  told 
to  put  the  cheese  into  a  pewter  plate  and  bring  the 
china  one  to  him.  Cato  returned  with  it  in  his 
hand. 

"  Now,  throw  it  out  of  the  window!"  said  the 
Governor. 

Cato,  thinking  as  "  Massa  "  could  not  move,  he 
would  cheat  him,  adroitly  threw  the  plate  on  to  a 
slanting  bank  of  grass,  which  did  no  injury. 
The  Governor  not  hearing  a  crash,  ordered  him  to 
go  down  and  break  it  against  the  wall,  which 
noise,  for  the  first  time,  fell  gratefully  on  his  at 
tentive  ear.5 

Hancock  had  worked  on  steadily,  contending 
long  with  pain ;  creeping  and  advancing  with 
insidious  persistence,  feebly  at  first,  then  with  the 
sharp  twinges  that  wring  from  the  strongest  man 
cries  of  agony,  it  forced  and  racked  its  way 
through  every  joint,  stiffening  into  rigidity  the 
once  supple  members.  What  man  could  be  a  phil 
osopher  under  such  circumstances?  Rasped  past 
endurance  by  the  battle,  he  struck  out  wildly  for 
an  object  on  which  to  vent  his  wretchedness — were 
it  but  a  china  plate. 


CHAPTER  XXX. 

DEATH  OF  THE  HANCOCKS'  SON — JUDGE  QUINCY'S 
DEATH — MRS.  SEWELL  WRITES  TO  DOROTHY — 
HANCOCK  AGAIN  GOVERNOR — His  PHILANTHROPY. 
LAFAYETTE'S  GENEROSITY — CONSTITUTION  ADOPT 
ED — BOSTON  CELEBRATES  IT — FILLING  THE  OF 
FICES — THE  VOTE  FOR  GOVERNOR — DINNER  AT  THE 
HANCOCKS'. 

Victor  Hugo  tells  us  that  "  grief  is  always  at 
the  side  of  joy."  On  January  27,  1787,  the  only 
son  of  Governor  Hancock  died  under  most  griev 
ous  circumstances.  The  Governor  was  walking 
with  a  friend,  accompanied  by  his  son  George 
Washington,  then  about  nine  years  old,  who,  see 
ing  a  pair  of  skates  in  the  shop  window,  began 
pleading  to  have  them.  His  father  refused,  but  the 
child  was  so  persistent  that  the  friend,  to  gratify 
him,  stepped  into  the  store  and  purchased  the 
skates.  George  had  still  another  point  to  carry, 
and  insisted  upon  trying  them.  The  sidewalk  was 
covered  with  ice.  Before  either  could  prevent  him 
the  boy  struck  out  and  fell,  causing  injuries  that 
proved  fatal. 

The  Independent  Chronicle  of  February  ist  re 
lates  that  "  the  corpse  was  carried  in  Mr.  Han 
cock's  own  coach ;  that  worthy  gentleman  and  his 


I96  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

amiable  lady,  in  great  affliction,  followed  in  an 
other  coach." 

This  heartrending  affliction  was  particularly  se 
vere  to  the  Hancocks,  as  it  left  them  childless. 
Filled  with  deep-seated  sorrow  man  goes  forth 
into  the  world  to  find  distraction  in  his  routine  of 
duties,  while  the  wife,  wrapt  in  despondency,  sits 
in  solitidue,  surrounded  by  touching  mementos, 
penetrated  with  the  haunting  thought  of  her  loss. 
Thus  we  behold  Madam  Hancock,  who  was  now 
to  experience  sorrow  upon  sorrow.  Her  father 
died,  and  a  good  man's  life  ended. 

Mrs.  Sewell,  harrowed  by  grief  at  her  absence 
from  the  beloved  parent,  closes  her  letter  to  her 
sister  Dorothy :  "  '  Mark  the  upright  man,  for  the 
end  of  that  man  is  peace.'  We  have  every  com 
fort  rising  from  the  words  of  the  psalmist  who, 
from  the  moral  rectitude  of  our  dear  father's  ex 
emplary  virtues,  this  passage  may  be  very  justly 
applied.  And  he  is  now,  I  have  no  doubt,  receiv 
ing  his  blessed  reward  for  his  faithful  and  steady 
adherence  to  the  Christian  religion  and  an  early 
piety."1 

The  commonwealth  was  involved  in  trouble, 
and,  as  the  respite  had  benefited  Governor  Han 
cock's  health,  friends  urged  him  again  to  take  the 
helm  of  State.  Discontent  was  stirring  among  Un 
people,  and  some  declared  that  the  Government 
had  not  granted  their  requests.  Hancock  accepted 


JOHN   GEORGE   WASHINGTON  HANCOCK. 
(Son  of  Governor  and  Mrs.  Hancock.) 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  19? 

the  office,  "  the  disturbances  were  quieted,  and 
order  was  restored."2 

Governor  Hancock,  in  considering  others,  relin 
quished  a  portion  of  his  salary  "  for  the  benefit  of 
the  State,"  and  he  did  so  with  the  understanding 
that  a  precedent  should  not  be  established  thereby. 
Under  his  rule  he  condemned  public  whipping  and 
recommended  confinement  to  hard  labor  as  proba 
bly  more  salutary,  as  well  as  more  humane  punish 
ment.  He  also  favored  fewer  capital  punish 
ments.3 

His  philanthropy  was  manifested  when,  in  1788. 
three  negroes  were  decoyed  on  board  a  vessel  and 
taken  to  the  West  Indies,  where  they  were  sold 
into  slavery.  It  was  through  his  intervention  with 
the  French  consul  in  Boston  that  they  were  re 
leased  and  brought  back.4 

At  the  time  of  the  great  fire,  in  1787,  when  sev 
eral  of  his  tenements  were  destroyed,  the  tenants 
gathered  around  him  and  expressed  profound  sym 
pathy.  He  remarked  that  they  were  the  greatest 
sufferers,  having  been  almost  ruined,  while  he  was 
able  to  erect  new  buildings,  and  at  the  same  time 
passed  a  "  shower  of  guineas  among  them."5 

The  Marquis  of  Lafayette,  who  still  held  in  re 
membrance  those  for  whom  he  had  drawn  the 
sword,  on  hearing  of  the  fire  sent  the  following 
letter  to  Mr.  Breck :  "I  have  written  to  request 
you  to  pay  a  sum  of  money  for  my  account  to  the 
unhappy  sufferers  by  the  late  fire  at  Boston,  but  I 


i98  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

am  fearful  I  committed  a  mistake  by  using  the 
word  two  instead  of  three  hundred  guineas ;  if  so. 
you  will  oblige  me  by  correcting  that  error  and 
paying  the  additional  sum."6 

The  Constitution  of  the  United  States,  after 
much  discussion,  was  adopted,  ten  out  of  thirteen 
of  the  States  agreeing  to  it  at  once.  In  1788  it 
went  into  effect,  but  the  new  4'  Union  "  of  the 
whole  began  in  1790.  Great  support  was  given  to 
the  Constitution  by  Governor  Hancock  and  Hon. 
Samuel  Adams,  though  they  did  not  entirely  ap 
prove  of  all  the  articles.  Before  the  convention  as 
sembled  Hancock  prepared  proposals  for  amend 
ment,  and  they  both  resolved  to  give  it  their  de 
cided  support.  Hancock  considered  a  general 
government  to  be  the  salvation  of  his  country. 

Bancroft  writes :  (  The  conduct  of  Hancock  in 
support  of  the  Constitution  was,  from  beginning 
to  end,  consistent,  and  so  wise  that  the  after 
thought  of  the  most  skilful  caviler  cannot  point 
out  where  it  could  be  improved/'7  And  "  that  the 
country  from  the  St.  Croix  to  the  St.  Mary's  had 
fixed  its  attention  on  Massachusetts,  whose  ad 
verse  decision  would  inevitably  involve  the  defeat 
of  the  Constitution." 

On  this  occasion  Hancock  left  his  sick  bed  and 
was  carried  to  his  seat  ;*  and  Judson  says,  "  By  his 
vote  and  influence  induced  the  Assembly  to  accept 
and  sanction  that  important  instrument  of  con  fed- 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  199 

eration  that  has,  thus  far,  held  us  in  the  bonds  of 
union,  strength  and  power."9 

Schiller  tells  us,  "  War  is  a  violent  trade."  But, 
cruel  as  it  is,  it  was  a  necessary  one,  and  successful 
for  the  colonists. 

We  now  approach  the  period  of  the  country's 
improvement.  The  discharged  soldiers  returned 
to  their  commerce,  agriculture  and  farms ;  the 
sword  was  laid  aside  for  the  plow ;  they  pur 
sued  their  daily  avocations  without  the  startling 
cry  of  "  To  arms !"  and  the  interruption  of  fife 
and  drum.  Peace  reigned  and  plenty  followed. 
To  men  sitting  by  their  firesides,  with  sheathed 
swords,  war  was  but  a  memory. 

When  the  Constitution  was  ratified  there  was 
another  exultant  outburst  throughout  the  country, 
and  General  Knox  wrote,  "  Boston  people  have  lost 
their  senses  with  joy."  They  formed  a  grand  pa 
rade.  There  was  a  ship,  "  Federal  Constitution," 
drawn  by  thirteen  horses,  with  full  colors  flying; 
eighty-three  seamen  dressed  with  ribbons,  etc. 
Every  trade  was  represented,  with  tools  and  im 
plements. 

Philadelphia  was  jubilant  at  the  "  ratification  of 
the  Federal  Constitution  by  the  powerful  and 
patriotic  State  of  Massachusetts." 

The  following  is  in  a  letter  from  Philadelphia, 
February  20,  1788,  looking  at  once  towards  filling 
the  offices :  "  Should  the  new  Constitution  be 
adopted  General  Washington  will  undoubtedly  be 


200  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

President  and  Governor  Hancock  Vice-President 
of  the  Union."  "  May  the  immortal  powers  who 
guard  the  just  watch  o'er  the  godlike  patriots." 
"  Long  may  Columbus  boast  such  heroes,  states 
men  and  true  friends  to  freemen's  sacred  rights  as 
Washington  and  Hancock.  These  great  men  at 
the  head  of  our  Government  all  Europe  will  again 
acknowledge  the  importance  of  America."10 

July  I9th  John  Adams  returned  from  Europe. 
"  After  an  absence  of  nine  years  he  was  received 
with  every  mark  of  respect;  was  met  by  the  Sec 
retary  of  State  in  the  Governor's  carriage,  and 
rode  to  his  house,  the  streets  filled  with  thousands. 
He  remained  at  the  Governor's  and  there  received 
the  congratulations  of  the  Lieutenant-Governor 
and  the  Council." 

Madam  Hancock  watched  with  apprehension  the 
feeling  between  the  partisans  of  Hancock  and 
Bowdoin,  which  was  very  bitter,  and  "  it  was 
compared  to  the  stormy  annals  of  the  ancient  re 
publics  of  Greece  and  Rome."11 

Hancock  received  1,427  votes  for  Governor, 
while  James  Bowdoin  had  5,  and  Elbridge 
Gerry  5.12 

Governor  Hancock's  popularity  was  not  entirely 
local.  In  a  letter  from  Philadelphia  to  Newbury- 
port,  July  2,  1788,  is  written,  "  We  drink  some  ex 
cellent  wine  to  Massachusetts  patriots — Hancock 
is  the  deitv  for  Vice-President." 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  201 

The  papers  give  notice  that  "  the  two  spoken 
of  generally  in  Massachusetts  for  Vice-President. 
His  Excellency,  our  worthy  Governor,  and  Hon. 
John  Adams."  While  still  another  advised,  "  Un 
doubtedly  Hancock  for  Vice-President,  and 
Adams  for  Chief  Justice  Federal  Judiciary.'' 

July  Qth  the  twelfth  anniversary  was  celebrated 
with  great  eclat ;  the  military  was  reviewed  from 
the  State  House  balcony  by  the  Governor,  who  had 
provided  a  repast  for  them  in  the  building.  The 
Governor  gave  a  "splendid  dinner  "  at  his  house 
on  Friday,  ending  with  "  thirteen  toasts,  each  ac 
companied  with  a  discharge  of  artillery." 


CHAPTER    XXXI. 

THE  HANCOCKS  VISIT  PORTSMOUTH,  N.  H.— THEIR 
DEPARTURE  FROM  THERE,  AND  ESCORT — THE 
FRENCH  THEIR  GUESTS— THE  OFFICERS  RETURN 
THE  CIVILITIES — THE  HANCOCKS'  BALL  —  THE 
HANCOCKS  DINE  ON  BOARD  THE  ACHILLES — A 
PRESIDENT  AND  VICE-PRESIDENT  CHOSEN — WASH 
INGTON'S  REPLY  TO  HANCOCK'S  CONGRATULATIONS. 
ADAMS  AT  THE  HANCOCKS'. 

The  Hancocks  improved  the  Governor's  restor 
ation  to  health  by  a  trip  to  Portsmouth,  N.  H.  It 
is  announced  in  the  journal,  "'  Tuesday  eve  last  ar 
rived  in  this  town  His  Excellency  John  Hancock, 
Esq.,  Governor  of  the  Commonwealth  of  Massa 
chusetts,  with  his  lady  and  suite."  August  16— 
"  The  patriotism  which  this  worthy  character  has 
ever  discovered,  his  attachment  to  the  liberties  of 
his  country,  and  the  rights  of  mankind  in  general, 
and  the  great  sacrifices  he  has  made  in  its  de 
fense —  claim  the  attention  and  call  for  the  love  of 
every  American,  and  must  render  his  presence 
truly  agreeable.  We  bid  His  Excellency  a  hearty 
welcome  to  the  capital  of  New  Hampshire,  in  do 
ing  which,  we  doubt  not,  we  shall  be  joined  by  all 
our  fellow-citizens."1 

Their  departure  from  Portsmouth  is  described : 
"His  Excellency  and  lady  left  this  place,  on  their 


DOROTHY   QUINCY  203 

return  to  Boston,  with  some  gentlemen  from  South 
Carolina.  This  illustrious  patriot,  this  friend  to 
mankind,  appears  to  be  selected  by  the  united 
voice  of  the  continent,  and  admiring  as  well  as 
approving  world,  for  the  second  seat  in  the  new 
Federal  Government.  A  Washington,  a  Hancock, 
a  Franklin  and  a  Sullivan  can  never  be  forgotten 
whilst  the  history  of  America  is  read.  *  *  He 
was  escorted  as  far  as  *Greenland  by  His  Excel 
lency  President  Langdon  and  lady,  by  the  Consul 
of  France  and  others,  and  Colonel  Wentworth, 
with  his  elegant  independent  company  of  Light 
Horse."2 

We  follow  their  route  through  the  journals: 
'£  On  Monday,  at  12  o'clock,  His  Excellency  was 
met  and  escorted  by  three  troops  of  horse  and  a 
cavalcade  of  gentlemen  from  Newburyport  to 
Haverhill,  where  an  elegant  entertainment  was 
provided  for  His  Excellency,  and  where  demon 
strations  of  joy  and  festivity  testified  to  the  pleas 
ure  the  citizens  of  Essex  felt  on  being  visited  by 
so  distinguished  a  character/' 

"  August  23d,  Tuesday  evening  last,  His  Excel 
lency  the  Governor  and  his  lady  returned  from 
their  visit  to  the  capital  of  New  Hampshire." 

The  French  were  always  accorded  a  warm  wel 
come  in  Boston,  a  gracious  return  for  their  sym 
pathy  and  aid  when  the  colonies  were  under  trial, 


*Greenland  is  four  miles  from  Portsmouth. 


204  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

and  the  Hancocks  in  particular  felt  that  their  social 
attentions  could  never  sufficiently  requite  our 
allies. 

On  September  4  the  Marquis  de  Sainneville  and 
his  corps  of  officers  "  partook  of  an  elegant  colla 
tion  "  at  the  Governor's.  The  French  officers  re 
turned  most  cordially  the  civilities  extended. 

The  Marquis  de  Sainneville  gave  on  board  The 
Superb  "  a  public  and  very  elegant  entertainment." 
Relating  the  manning  of  the  ship's  yards  for  the 
Governor,  and  cheering,  the  article  continues : 
"  After  the  usual  refreshments  the  company  were 
introduced  under  a  canopy  on  the  deck,  where  they 
were  perfectly  accommodated,  the  tables  being  cal 
culated  for  upwards  of  eighty  persons,  and  but 
seventy-six  present;  so  that  each  gentleman  was 
as  completely  at  his  ease  as  if  in  the  retired  circle 
of  his  own  family."  Thirteen  toasts  were  drank 
after  dinner.  One  of  them  was,  "  The  American 
Fair,  may  beauty  and  virtue  still  continue  their 
amiable  characteristics." 

Then  His  Excellency  gave  an  "  elegant  enter 
tainment  "  a  day  or  two  later  to  the  Marquis  and 
other  French  officers,  ending  with  a  "  superb 
ball." 

There  was  to  be  no  lull  in  the  gaiety,  for  under 
date  of  September  25  the  Marquis  de  Sainneville 
and  his  officers  dined  with  the  Governor  and 
Madam  Hancock.  After  the  dinner  they  took 
leave  of  His  Excellency  and  lady  and  were  escort- 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  205 

ed  by  the  Independent  Corps  of  Cadets  to  the 
Long  Wharf,  at  which  place  the  Governor  had 
previously  arrived  in  his  carriage  and  joined  the 
procession.  When  the  place  of  embarkation  was 
reached  the  Cadets  formed  in  line,  opened  ranks 
and  saluted  them  as  they  passed.  The  Marquis 
took  an  affectionate  leave  of  the  Governor,  and 
received  His  Excellency's  warmest  wishes  for  his 
happiness.  Then  he  went  on  board  his  barge, 
where  a  great  body  of  citizens  had  assembled.3 

One  chronicler  says :  "  The  most  perfect  order 
marked  every  part  of  this  ceremony — if  that  may 
be  called  a  ceremony — in  which  the  feelings  of  the 
heart  were  so  deeply  interested."4 

This  gives  some  idea  of  the  form  of  civilities 
exchanged  at  that  epoch. 

The  Hancocks,  with  a  select  party,  dined  with 
the  Chevalier  Macarty  de  Martique  on  board  the 
Achilles,  and  the  dinner  was  over  by  four  o'clock. 
The  fleet  expected  to  leave  the  next  day. 

The  question  of  the  Vice-President  continued. 
In  a  letter  of  Benjamin  Rush,  of  Philadelphia, 
October  7,  1788,  he  says:  "Mr.  Adams  would 
probably  have  all  the  votes  of  the  State  for  Vice- 
President's  chair.  Mr.  Hancock's  frequent  indis 
position  alone  will  preclude  him  from  that  mark 
of  respect  from  Philadelphia."5 

Another  article  states  that  circumstances  seem 
most  to  concur  in  favor  of  John  Adams,  Esquire. 
While  the  conciliatory  talents  of  Governor  Han- 


206  DOROTHY   QUINCY 

cock,  and  the  attachment  to  him  that  prevails  in 
Massachusetts  render  him  necessary  to  the  peace 
uf  New  England,  Mr.  Adams  is  at  perfect  leisure 
to  fill  the  seat." 

At  last  the  decision  was  proclaimed — George 
Washington  the  choice  for  President,  and  John 
Adams,  Vice-President ;  Pennsylvania,  Virginia 
and  South  Carolina  voting  for  Hancock  in  the  lat 
ter  office.6 

Hancock  courteously  wrote  a  letter  to  General 
Washington,  to  which  he  received  this  reply : 

"  NEW  YORK,  May  9,  1789. 
"  GOVERNOR  HANCOCK  : 

"  Sir — I  am  taking  the  earliest  occasion  of  acknowl 
edging  the  receipt  of  the  letter  which  you  did  me  the 
favor  to  address  to  me  by  Mr.  Allen,  and  to  thank  you 
for  your  kind  congratulations  on  my  appointment  to 
the  Presidency  of  the  United  States. 

"  Mrs.  Washington  is  not  here,  but  is  expected  in 
the  course  of  this  month.  On  her  arrival  I  shall  not 
fail  of  executing  the  friendly  commission  of  Mrs.  Han 
cock  and  yourself. 

"  In   tendering  my  respectful   compliments   to   both, 
and   in  hopes   that  the  present  favorable   season   may 
greatly   accelerate   the  recovery  of  your  health,   I   re 
main,  with  the  highest  respect  and  consideration,  sir, 
''  Your  excellency's  most  obedient  and 

most  honorable  servant, 

"  G.   WASHINGTON."7 

The  Hancocks  gave  to  their  old  friend  Adams 
a  congratulatory  and  parting  fete  before  he  as 
sumed  his  new  duties.  "  He  then  departed  for 
New  York  under  the  escort  of  a  troop  of  horse." 


CHAPTER    XXXII. 

THE  HANCOCKS  RECEIVE  THE  FRENCH— BALL  ON 
BOARD  L'ILLUSTRE— EPERGNE  BROKEN— WASHING 
TON  GOES  TO  BOSTON— DISAGREEABLE  EPISODE- 
TAKES  TEA  AT  THE  HANCOCKS'— THE  LADIES 
HONOR  HIM— HE  LEAVES  FOR  PORTSMOUTH,  N.  H. 

in  1789,  when  John  Hancock  was  again  elected 
Governor,  he  and  the  Lieutenant-Governor,  on 
going  to  take  the  oath  of  office,  wore  complete 
suits  of  broadcloth  of  American  manufacture.  On 
the  coat  of  His  Excellency  were  silver  buttons, 
also  of  American  make,  and  there  was  a  stimulus 
throughout  the  country  to  start  factories.  The 
Harvard  graduates  at  one  time  were  "  all  dressed 
in  black  cloth  made  in  New  England,"  living  up 
to  the  cry  of  "  non-importation."2 

In  September,  1/89,  Madam  Hancock,  in  her 
"  earthly  paradise,"3  as  her  home  had  been  desig 
nated,  again  does  the  honors  to  the  French  squad 
ron,  which  had  anchored  in  the  harbor  of  Boston 
to  avoid  the  West  India  gales,  and  gave  "  an  ele 
gant  and  splendid  entertainment,"  as  the  papers  de 
scribed  it.  to  the  Le  Vicompte  de  Penteves  and  of 
ficers  of  his  squadron.  This  was  returned  by  a 
"  superb  entertainment  and  ball  on  board  ITllus- 
tre  "  by  the  Vicompte  at  one  o'clock  they  all  sat 


308  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

down  to  a  table  liberally  spread  with  a  "  profusion 
of  luxuries  and  delicacies."  "  At  the  head  of  the 
dining  tables  was  a  castle  of  pastry,  having  therein 
thirteen  metal  guns,  by  which,  from  tubes  which 
communicated  through  the  table  and  deck,  the 
company  were  saluted  with  a  general  discharge." 

"  On  the  top  of  the  castle  waved  a  small  white 
ensign — the  device,  two  hearts;  the  motto,  "  The 
United  Hearts  of  America  and  France."  The 
head  of  the  hall  was  ornamented  with  a  heart 
pierced  with  arrows;  and  in  the  motto,  "Hom 
age  to  the  Fair  Daughters  of  America."  *  *  * 

"  After  dinner  the  ball  began,  and  closed  before 
nine  o'clock,  and  on  departure  of  His  Excellency 
he  was  saluted  with  thirteen  rockets,  let  off  from 
a  boat  moored  at  some  distance  from  the  ship."' 

Madam  Hancock  was  also  present. 

Governor  Hancock  next  had  a  "  magnificent 
ball  "  for  the  daughter  of  James  Sullivan,  on  the 
occasion  of  her  marriage  to  Mr.  Cutler. 

The  Hancock  house  seemed  the  theatre  of  joy, 
wit  and  pleasure,  with  euphonious  compliments 
filling  the  air.  Did  Madam  Hancock  never  tire  of 
all  these  festivals?  I  think  not;  they  became  a 
part  of  her  life,  and  custom  took  from  its  onerous- 
ness.  It  takes  more  effort  to  entertain  occasion 
ally  than  when  it  is  part  of  a  daily  routine. 

It  is  related  of  Governor  Hancock  that,  "  at  one 
of  his  dinners  to  sixty  guests,  a  servant,  removing 
a  cut-glass  epergne,  which  formed  the  central  or- 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  209 

nament  of  the  table,  let  it  fall  and  it  was  dashed 
into  a  thousand  pieces.  An  awkward  silence  fell 
upon  the  company,  who  hardly  knew  how  to  treat 
the  accident.  Hancock  relieved  the  embarrass 
ment  by  cheerfully  exclaiming :  "  James,  break 
as  much  as  you  like,  but  don't  make  such  a  con 
founded  noise  about  it!"  "Under  cover  of  the 
laugh  this  excited  the  fragments  were  removed, 
and  talk  went  on  as  if  nothing  had  happened."5 

Not  a  visitor  of  celebrity  to  Boston  but  carried 
away  with  him  the  remembrance  of  the  Gover 
nor's  table  and  the  flavor  of  his  choice  wines. 

In  October  President  Washington  proposed  to 
visit  Boston.  Every  arrangement  was  made  for 
a  most  elaborate  procession  to  receive  and  escort 
him  through  the  city. 

Governor  Hancock,  "  on  the  first  information 
of  the  intention  of  the  President,  issued  his  orders 
for  paying  every  military  honor  to  the  illustrious 
visitant."  "  He  was  to  be  met  at  Cambridge  and 
accompanied  into  the  capital.  There  were  to  be 
triumphal  arches  and  a  grand  procession;  the 
flags  in  it  were  to  be  of  white  silk  a  yard  square, 
with  staffs  seven  feet  long,  and  all  handsomely 
painted."6 

The  Governor  despatched  an  express  to 
Worcester  with  an  invitation  to  the  President  to 
dine  with  him  on  his  arrival. 

The  day  was  ushered  in  "  unusually  cold  and 
murky,"  and  most  provocative  of  gout.  Tt  started 


DOROTHY  QUINCY 

Hancock's  intense  pains,  which  confined  him  to 
the  house.  The  procession  was  delayed  by  a  dis 
cussion  between  the  sheriff  and  the  selectmen  as  to 
their  special  duties,  each  desiring  the  most  promi 
nent  place.  The  question  temporarily  settled, 
Washington  entered  the  town  with  the  cortege, 
which  proceeded  to  his  lodgings ;  then  sent  a  note 
at  dinner-time  excusing  himself  to  the  Governor. 
This  was  just  the  opportunity  for  Hancock's  ad 
versaries,  who  did  not  hesitate  to  improve  it  by 
poisoning  Washington's  mind,  asserting  that 
Governor  Hancock's  absence  was  caused  "  by  his 
jealousy  of  the  President:  and  that,  as  an  advo 
cate  of  the  sovereignty  of  the  States,"  he  ex 
pected  Washington  to  make  the  first  call. 

It  does  not  appear  characteristic  of  Governor 
Hancock  to  place  himself  voluntarily  in  a  position 
to  give  offense  to  Washington,  a  man  for  whom 
he  had  both  friendship  and  admiration ;  the  man 
under  whom  he  had  asked  to  serve  when  he  was 
President  of  the  Congress,  even  if  to  enter  the 
ranks ;"  for  whom  he  had  named  his  only  son ;  to 
whom  he  had  extended  the  hospitalities  of  his 
house :  in  whose  honor  he  had  inaugurated  one  of 
the  grandest  processions  the  city  ever  organized. 
Would  he  have  raised  a  question  of  etiquette  and 
be  guilty  of  rudeness  before  all  his  townsmen? 
Was  it  in  character  for  John  Hancock,  the  high- 
toned  gentleman,  whose  good  breeding  was  pro 
verbial  and  acknowledged  even  by  his  enemies ; 


DOROTHY   QUINCY 

whose  thought  was  more  of  others  than  of  self, 
to  put  a  slight  upon  President  Washington  wil 
fully  and  publicly ':  It  could  only  find  credence  in 
minds  warped  by  enmity. 

There  is  a  long  account  of  the  event,  which 
says,  "  The  worthy  Governor  of  this  Common 
wealth,  having  an  exalted  estimation  of  the  virtu 
ous  President,  and  although  much  indisposed  as  to 
his  health,  was  determined  to  show  the  President 
the  honors  of  the  Government  in  a  style  suitable 
to  his  dignity." 

The  preparations  made  to  receive  him  are  re 
lated  in  detail,  and  it  is  stated  that  "  the  Lieuten- 
ant-Governor  and  the  Council  met  him  at  Cam 
bridge,  by  request  of  the  Governor,  who  would 
have  accompanied  them  himself  had  his  health 
permitted."7 

A  correspondent  observes :  '  There  has  been 
no  circumstance  in  the  life  of  our  Governor  which 
could  have  tried  his  feelings  so  much  as  his  bod 
ily  indisposition  at  this  happy  moment ;  for  Han 
cock,  whose  name  was  so  familiarly  united  with 
Washington,  to  be  cast  upon  a  painful  couch,  is 
a  circumstance  which  requires  more  than  the  pa 
tience  of  Job  to  support  him  under."8 

President  Adams,  writing  to  H.  Niles,  in  1818, 
says  of  Hancock :  *c  Of  his  life,  of  his  character, 
generous  nature,  great  disinterested  sacrifices,  and 
important  services — if  I  had  force — I  should  be 
glad  to  write  a  volume." 


DOROTHY  QU1NCY 

Does  that  describe  a  man  to  premeditate  a  dis 
courtesy?  Hancock  wrote  to  the  officials  who 
afterwards  carried  their  grievances  to  him,  that 
his  orders  had  been,  "  Nothing  should  be  wanting 
to  have  the  President  treated  with  every  mark  of 
respect  that  his  high  station  demanded,"  and  con 
tinued,  "  Being,  unfortunately,  confined  on  that 
day  by  bodily  indisposition,  it  was  out  of  my 
power  to  be  abroad.''9 

Then  we  have  the  assurances  of  his  noble  wife, 
educated  with  an  abhorrence  of  falsehood,  on 
whom  this  aspersion  had  left  an  indelible  impres 
sion.  Years  after,  when  discussing  this  event, 
she  asserted  that  her  husband  was  really  suffering, 
and  too  ill  on  that  inclement  day  to  leave  the  house, 
and  she  felt  that  he  had  been  harshly  judged.10 

When  Governor  Hancock  heard  how  his  detrac 
tors — and  what  man  with  Hancock's  honors  has 
been  exempt  from  them — had  perverted  his  ab 
sence  he  despatched  "  a  note  to  Washington,  say 
ing  he  would  have  called  sooner  had  his  health  in 
any  degree  permitted;"11  then  in  bodily  pain,  and 
pain  of  mind,  Hancock  drove  to  Washington's 
lodgings.  When  he  entered  the  room,  with  limbs 
swathed,  and  supported  by  his  servants,  the  sight 
of  his  helplessness  moved  Washington's  impartial 
heart  to  read  aright  that  of  his  visitor,  and,  realiz 
ing  he  had  been  deceived,  he  evinced  a  great  deal 
of  feeling. 


DOROTHY   QUINCY  213 

This  visit  Washington  returned  the  next  day, 
first  sending  word  by  the  Marshal  of  the  District 
to  announce  that  he  wished  to  pass  an  hour  or 
two  alone  with  Governor  and  Mrs.  Hancock.12 
Washington  expressed  astonishment  that  any  per 
son  should  have  so  imposed  upon  him ;  their  cor 
dial  relations  were  resumed,  and  he  drank  tea 
with  them.  Madam  Hancock  relates  that  the 
President  was  very  sociable  and  pleasant  during 
the  whole  call,  and  that  he  was  affable  when  with 
his  friends;  but  was  careful  of  his  dignity  in  the 
presence  of  strangers. 

The  President  contracted  a  cold  on  that  raw 
day,  and  "  his  eye  suffered  from  inflammation ;" 
many  other  persons  were  similarly  affected,  and 
the  malady  was  known  as  the  "  Washington  influ 
enza."13 

A  series  of  entertainments  was  given  during 
the  President's  visit,  keeping  the  town  in  whirls 
of  pleasure.  The  journals  portray  the  tide  of  fes 
tivities  as  in  our  day ;  one  of  these,  under  date  of 
October  28,  1789,  has  a  notice  that  "  Yesterday 
His  Excellency  the  Governor  and  Council  gave  a 
sumptuous  and  elegant  dinner  at  Faneuil  Hall  to 
the  President  of  the  United  States  and  gentlemen 
of  distinction  to  the  number  of  one  hundred  and 
fifty.  Owing  to  severe  indisposition  His  Excel 
lency  the  Governor  could  not  attend  the  public 
dinner.  *  *  *  The  President,  Wednesday 


2M  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

eve,  honored  the  Assembly  with  his  presence  at 
Concert  Hall." 

"  The  company  was  very  brilliant,  and  among 
the  respectable  characters  present  were  the  Vice- 
President  of  the  United  States,  the  lady  of  the 
Governor,  the  Lieutenant-Govern  or  and  lady. 
Viscount  de  Ponteves,  the  Marquis  de  Traversay 
and  his  lady,  etc." 

Then  on  Tuesday  the  President  attended  an 
oratorio.  The  ladies  had  agreed  to  wear,  in  his 
honor,  the  following  device  on  a  cincture,  "  a 
broad  white  satin  ribbon,  with  G.  W.  in  gold  let 
ters,  encircled  with  a  laurel  wreath;  on  one  end 
of  the  sash  to  be  painted  the  American  eagle  and 
on  the  other  a  Fleur  de  /is/'14 

"  The  Marchioness  de  Traversay  exhibited  on 
the  bandeau  of  her  hat  the  G.  W.  and  the  eagle 
set  in  brilliants  on  a  black  velvet  ground." 

Thursday  the  President  departed  eastward  with 
an  escort,  leaving  Boston  a  respite,  until  the  next 
distinguished  visitor  should  arrive.  So  ended  the 
ebullition  of  excitement  and  bitterness  over  this 
question  of  a  first  call,  which  could  never  have 
arisen  had  Washington  accepted  the  invitation  of 
Governor  Hancock,  so  cordially  extended,  to 
''  command  his  house  while  he  continued  in  Bos 
ton."15 


CHAPTER  XXXIII. 

Ax  ODE  TO  HANCOCK — THE  AMERICAN  ARTILLERY — 
RE-ELECTED  GOVERNOR  —  PREJUDICE  AGAINST 
PLAYS — HANCOCK'S  DINNERS — DAVIS'  DEATH  — 
HANCOCK'S  LAST  TERM  OF  OFFICE — TAKES  LEAVE 
OF  THE  LEGISLATURE — FAITHFUL  TO  DUTY. 

There  had  been  erected  on  Beacon  Hill  a  col 
umn  sixty  feet  high,  "  built  of  brick,  covered  with 
stucco,  with  foundations  and  mouldings  of  stone," 
commemorating  "  the  leading  events  of  the  Amer 
ican  Revolution,  as  well  as  an  ornament  to  the 
Hill  and  useful  landmark.''  On  one  side  of  the 
monument  was  inscribed,  '  Hancock,  President,'  ' 
which  inspired  the  following  ode : 

"  Great  Hancock's  worth  thro'  every  distant  Clinic 
Shall  be  resounded  to  the  latest  Time  : 
Millions  shall  bless  the  Day  that  they  were  born. 
When  Godlike  Hancock  did  these  States  adorn  ; 
On  Fame's  bright  Wings  his  glorious  Name  shall  Soar 
Till  Stars  shall  fall,  and  Systems  be  no  more  ; 
Immortal  Statesman  !  'Round  fair  Freedom's  Shrine. 
Heroes  and  Sages  hail  him  all  divine. 
To  Heaven's  expanse  may  late  his  spirit  rise. 
And  Guardian  Angels  waft  it  to  the  Skies  ; 
Celestial  choirs  shall  sound  his  lasting  fame, 
Expiring  time  shall  not  erase  his  name. 
Seraphs  his  brows  around  with  laurels  grace  ; 
At  God's  Right  Hand  he'll  take  the  sacred  place. 
For  Deeds  so  Generous  and  deserved  Renown, 
Thy  worth,  oh.  Hancock,  claims  a  Heavenly  Crown/'1 


2i6  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

On  the  application  of  Governor  Hancock  to 
Congress,  "  it  was  ordered  the  two  field  pieces  be 
restored  to  Massachusetts,  which  were  a  part  of 
the  four  that  composed  the  whole  American  artil 
lery  at  the  commencement  of  the  Revolutionary 
War,  April  19,  1775."  On  one  Congress  ordered 
to  be  inscribed,  "  Hancock — Sacred  to  Liberty." 
This  was  a  most  appropriate  motto,  for  "  It  is 
said  John  Hancock  sacrificed  more  than  one  hun 
dred  thousand  dollars  in  the  cause  of  liberty." 
The  other  bore  the  inscription,  "  Adams."2 

Madam  Hancock  again  witnessed  the  apprecia 
tion  of  her  husband's  rule  manifested  by  the  peo 
ple  in  his  re-election  as  Governor,  though  one  his 
torian  had  written  to  a  friend,  1790,  predicting 
that  John  Hancock  would  have  few  votes  at  the 
next  election  in  consequence  of  the  George  Wash 
ington  episode.8  But  another  writes  that  "  Han 
cock  had  such  hold  upon  the  affections  and  grati 
tude  of  the  great  body  of  the  people  that  all  efforts 
to  supersede  him  and  to  place  another  citizen  in 
the  chair  of  State  were  ineffectual."4 

Madam  Hancock  had  many  long  vigils  by  the 
sick  bed  of  her  husband,  after  one  of  which  a 
Boston  journal  of  July  22,  1790,  published  the 
following :  "  We  have  the  pleasure  to  announce 
to  the  public  the  recovery  of  our  beloved  Governor 
from  his  late  indisposition.  A  life  so  valuable 
cannot  but  excite  the  most  anxious  emotions  in 


DOROTHY   QUINCY  217 

the  minds  of  the  citizens  of  this  commonwealth, 
which  we  are  happy  to  relieve."5 

Owing  to  the  strong  prejudice  against  the 
drama,  Madam  Hancock  was  debarred  from  show 
ing  any  appreciation  of  it.  Had  Massachusetts 
been  inspired  by  Victor  Hugo's  sentiment,  "  that 
an  audience  ought  never  to  be  allowed  to  leave  a 
theatrical  spectacle  without  carrying  away  sonic 
instinct  of  morality  both  deep  and  stern,"  objec 
tions  would  have  been  less,  nor  would  the  press 
have  ventured  such  predictions  as  that  the  en 
couragement  of  the  drama  would  "  drain  the  town 
of  upwards  of  ten  thousand  pounds  and  reduce 
hundreds  to  ruin."6 

One  correspondent  observes  that  it  was  with 
pleasure  he  heard  of  the  "  virtuous  and  patriotic 
exertions  of  Governor  Hancock  in  suppressing  the 
progress  of  a  company  of  strolling  stage  players 
who  were  in  actual  violation  of  the  laws  of  that 
commonwealth." 

December  26  the  Governor  replies  to  a  commit 
tee  on  theatricals  and  concludes :  "  Whenever  the 
Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  shall  be 
pleased  to  lay  before  me  a  bill  respecting  theatri 
cal  entertainments  I  will  give  it  a  candid  examina 
tion  and  approve  or  disapprove  of  it  according  to 
what  I  shall  conceive  to  be  my  duty  to  my  con 
stituents."7 

"  Public  dinners,  which  at  the  present  day  are 
given  at  public  expense,  were  provided  for  by 


218  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

Hancock  from  his  private  purse."  On  election 
day.  May  21,  1791,  he  gave  one  of  these  dinners 
at  Faneuil  Hall,  where  they  had  one  hundred  and 
sixty-three  bottles  of  wine.8 

Voltaire  tells  us  that  to  enjoy  pleasures  one 
must  know  how  to  leave  them,  and  John  Han 
cock,  who,  though  a  good  liver,  thoroughly  under 
stood  where  to  draw  the  line,  and  partook  of  noth 
ing  in  excess,  discreetly  followed  the  maxim  of 
Voltaire. 

On  the  6th  of  June  he  gave  a  "'*  splendid  enter 
tainment  in  his  glorious  hall,"  Solomon  Davis, 
Esq.,  had  set  the  table  in  a  roar,  and  one  of  his 
puns  being  specially  felicitous.  Colonel  Orne  re 
marked,  "  Go  home.  Davis,  and  die  —  you  can 
never  beat  that." 

Singular  to  relate,  Mr.  Davis,  on  his  way  home, 
fell  dead  in  a  fit  of  apoplexy,  near  King's  Chapel, 
and  "  his  pockets  were  found  filled  with  plum- 
cake,"9  the  indulgence  in  which,  after  a  bounteous 
feast  and  variety  of  wines,  ended  the  life  of  this 
bon  vivant. 

Following  this  the  Governor  entertained  the 
Ancient  and  Honorable  Artillery.  The  hall  was 
decorated  for  the  occasion,  a  fine  orchestra  pro 
vided,  and  the  description  concludes,  "  Notwith 
standing  the  ill-health  of  His  Excellency,  he  paid 
every  possible  attention  to  the  company,  who,  feel 
ing  themselves  highly  honored,  are  happy  that  his 
health  was  not  further  injured."10 


DOROTHY   QUINCY  219 

In  1792  the  Governor,  besides  looking  after  the 
State,  was  keeping  up  his  royal  banquets,  which 
the  journals  duly  reported.  These  recreative  re 
pasts  gave  to  Hancock  the  much  needed  relaxa 
tion  and  refreshment,  and  Madam  Hancock  wel 
comed  the  respite  for  him. 

John  Adams  has  said :.  "  A  great  part  of  Han 
cock's  life  had  been  passed  in  pain,  yet  it  was 
astonishing  with  what  patience,  perseverance  and 
punctuality  he  attended  to  business  to  the  last."11 

May,  1793,  John  Hancock  was  again  elected 
Ck>vernor,  but  his  malady  was  fast  telling  on  him. 
and  he  began  to  realize  it.  His  servants  made  an 
arm-chair  and  carried  him  from  his  carriage  into 
the  State  House12  at  the  meeting  of  the  Legisla 
ture,  September  18,  1793.  Hancock  was  obliged 
to  retain  his  seat  from  debility,  and  he  hoped  that 
the  members  would  keep  theirs  while  the  Secre 
tary  of  State  read  his  address,  as  his  infirmity 
rendered  it  impossible  for  him  to  speak  so  as  to  be 
heard."13  When  the  Secretary  had  finished  read 
ing  this  interesting  and  pertinent  speech  of  Han 
cock's,  His  Excellency  made  the  following  truly 
pathetic  apology,  with  a  tone  of  voice  which  at 
once  demonstrated  the  sincerity  of  his  heart,  and 
which  could  not  fail  of  making  a  deep  impression 
on  the  mind  of  every  spectator : 

"  I  beg  pardon  of  the  honorable  Legislature, 
and  I  rely  on  your  candor,  gentlemen,  to  forgive 
this  method  of  addressing  you.  I  feel  the  seeds 


DOROTHY  QUINCY 

of  mortality  growing  fast  within  me ;  but  I  think 
I  have  in  this  case  done  no  more  than  my  duty  as 
the  servant  of  the  people.  I  never  did — I  never 
will  deceive  them  while  I  have  life  and  strength 
to  act  in  their  service." 

He  had  served  as  Governor  eleven  years  and 
died  not  quite  a  month  after  this  resignation  from 
office.  With  disease  sapping  his  strength  John 
Hancock  stood  at  his  post,  watching  over  the 
trust  committed  to  him.  faithfully  fulfilling  his 
duties.  He  labored  for  the  future,  and,  as  has 
been  said  of  him,  "  He  sacrificed  his  health,  life 
and  property  to  secure  the  independence  of  the 
United  States." 


CHAPTER  XXXIV. 

HANCOCK'S  DEATH— MADAM  HANCOCK  ALONE— OPIN 
IONS  OF  HANCOCK — His  FUNERAL — PORTLAND'S 
RESPECT  FOR  HIM — MADAM  HANCOCK  DEFRAYS 
THE  FUNERAL  EXPENSES — MADAM  DEEDS  HER 
SHARE  OF  THE  GARDEN. 

In  spite  of  the  serious  condition  of  the  Gover 
nor  Madam  Hancock  had  felt  encouraged,  and 
was  not  prepared  for  the  end,  which  came  sud 
denly.  The  Independent  Chronicle  relates,  on  the 
morning  previous  to  Governor  Hancock's  death, 
"  He  appeared  more  alert  than  for  many  days, 
which  gave  his  friends  also  some  flattering  hopes 
of  his  recovery.  The  next  day  he  felt  a  difficulty 
in  breathing  and  passed  away  before  eight  o'clock, 
October  8,  1793,  at  the  age  of  fifty-five." 

We  have  seen  John  Hancock,  the  husband  of 
Dorothy  Quincy,  in  his  life  at  home,  thoughtful 
of  wife  and  of  friends ;  we  have  seen  him  as  lavish 
host  to  strangers  and  countrymen;  we  have  seen 
him  abroad  looking  after  the  welfare  of  the  peo 
ple  and  the  benefit  of  the  community;  we  have 
seen  his  ungrudging  liberality  to  the  poor;  we 
have  seen  him  mindful  of  his  duties,  filling  the 
offices  of  President  of  the  Congress  and  Governoi 
of  the  commonwealth  in  a  dignified,  judicious, 


222 


DOROTHY  QUINCY 


careful  manner.  Now  the  curtain  drops  on  that 
life,  leaving  Dorothy  Quincy  Hancock  alone. 
Alone!  What  did  that  word  convey  to  her?  A 
sense  of  utter  desolation.  Reared  to  trust  and 
rely  on  others,  she  had  ever  found  strength  in  the 
fervent  attachment  of  the  man  that  she  loved ;  he 
had  supported  her  through  the  trials  of  life,  and 
to  him  she  had  turned  in  her  great  afflictions. 
Now  a  Higher  Power  had  taken  him  from  her. 
With  sisters  far  away,  father,  son  and  husband 
gone — in  her  isolation  she  yearned  for  someone 
to  turn  to. 

Had  she  lived  one  hundred  and  twenty-five 
years  later,  and  developed  into  a  self-sustaining, 
self-reliant,  independent  woman,  she  might  have 
turned  for  alleviation  to  the  study  of  a  learned 
profession,  or  have  interested  herself  in  move 
ments  of  philanthropy  and  reform. 

The  military  companies  had  arranged  for  a  full- 
dress  parade,  but  learning  of  Governor  Han 
cock's  death,  they  were  dismissed;  and  one  jour 
nal  thus  comments  upon  it,  "  Which  measure 
gave  satisfaction  to  the  citizens  of  Boston,  who 
willingly  gave  up  the  pleasures  they  had  pre 
viously  anticipated,  and,  with  countenances  fully 
expressive  of  the  sorrow  of  their  hearts,  retired  to 
mourn  the  loss  of — 

"  Their  Country's  Saviour,  and  Columbia's  pride. 
The  Orphan's  Father,  and  the  widow's  friend. 
May  future  Hancocks  Massachusetts  guide — 
Hancock  !  The  name  alone  with  time  shall  end."1 


DOROTHY   QUINCY  223 

tn  an  address  of  President  Wilder,  he  says: 
"  of  Boston,  whatever  rank  may  be  assigned  her 
on  the  roll  of  cities,  the  light  of  her  example  can 
never  be  extinguished.  Her  history  and  fame  will 
be  cherished  and  revered  while  the  name  of  Frank 
lin,  the  father  of  American  science ;  Hancock,  the 
first  signer  of  the  Declaration  of  American  Inde 
pendence ;  and  Warren,  the  great  martyr  on 
Bunker  Hill,  shall  have  a  page  in  the  annals  of 
time/'2 

I  give  place  to  a  few  opinions  of  individuals 
who  were  associated  with  Hancock, — their  esti 
mate  of  him  and  his  career : 

John  Adams  writes  of  Samuel  Adams  and  John 
Hancock :  "  They  were  the  first  movers,  the  most 
constant,  steady,  persevering  springs,  agents,  and 
most  disinterested  sufferers  and  firmest  pillars  of 
the  whole  Revolution.  *  *  *  Henry  gave  the 
first  impulse  to  the  ball  in  Virginia;  Otis'  battle 
dore  had  struck  the  shuttlecock  up  in  air  in  Mas 
sachusetts,  and  continued  to  keep  it  up  for  several 
years  before  Henry's  ball  was  touched.'" 

Adams  very  frankly  wrote  to  William  Tudor, 
who  liked  neither  Samuel  Adams  nor  John  Han 
cock  : 

"  I  can  say  with  truth  that  I  profoundly  admired  him 
(Hancock),  and  more  profoundly  loved  him.  If  he  had 
vanity  and  caprice,  so  had  I,  and  if  his  vanity  and 
caprice  made  me  sometimes  sputter,  as  you  know  they 
often  did,  mine,  I  well  know,  had  often  a  similar  effect 
upon  him.  But  these  little  flickerings  of  little  passions 
determine  nothing  concerning  essential  characters.  I 


224  DOROTHY   QUINCY 

knew  Mr.  Hancock  from  cradle  to  grave.  He  was 
radically  generous  and  benevolent.  Though 

I  never  injured  or  justly  offended  him,  and  though  1 
spent  much  of  my  time,  and  suffered  unknown  anxiety 
in  defending  his  property,  reputation  and  liberty  from 
persecution,  I  cannot  but  reflect  upon  myself  for  not 
paying  him  more  respect  than  I  did  in  his  lifetime.  His 
life  will,  however,  not  ever  be  written.  But,  if  statues, 
obelisks,  pyramids,  or  divine  honors  were  ever  merited 
by  man,  by  cities,  or  nations,  James  Otis,  Samuel 
Adams  and  John  Hancock  deserved  these  from  the 
town  of  Boston  and  the  United  States." 

Mrs.  Mercy  Warren,  who  was  more  given  to 
praise  others  than  John  Hancock,  has  said,  "  He 
declined  the  smallest  concession  that  might  lessen 
the  independence  and  sovereignty  of  each  State, 
and  supported  his  opinions  with  firmness  and  dig 
nity  equally  popular  and  honorable  to  himself."4 

"  His  memory  was  embalmed  in  the  affections 
of  his  townsmen."5 

Samuel  Adams  writes  that  he  was  "  a  popular 
idol,  with  a  large  following."6 

John  Hancock  was  endowed  with  qualities  that 
endeared  him  to  his  townspeople,  yet  he  was  richer 
than  most  of  them,  and  lived  in  a  style  of  splendor 
with  which  few  could  compete.  He  had  the  gifts 
that  excite  envy  in  smaller  minds,  yet  we  hear  of 
no  anarchistic  spirit  stimulated  against  him.  What 
harm  to  John  Hancock  were  all  the  clamors  of  his 
enemies?  But  for  his  resignation  the  month  be 
fore  he  would  have  died  where  he  had  lived,  hold 
ing  the  highest  office  of  the  commonwealth.  If 
monuments  and  tablets  were  withheld  from  him. 


DOROTHY   QUINCY  225 

his  work  stands,  and  that  we  have  today  an  inde 
pendent  country  is  largely  due  to  the  unceasing 
labor  of  John  Hancock,  in  conjunction  with  his 
fellow  patriots. 

The  body  of  Governor  Hancock  lay  in  state 
-  eight  days  for  the  citizens  to  pay  their  last  trib 
ute  of  respect  to  his  memory.  They  came  in  thou 
sands,  with  expressions  of  grief  and  affection."7 
The  funeral  was  most  impressive.  At  sunrise  all 
the  bells  tolled  for  an  hour,  the  flags  in  town  and 
on  the  shipping  were  "  half  hoisted ;"  the  stores 
were  closed. 

"  On  Monday  last  the  remains  of  His  Excel 
lency  John  Hancock,  Esq.,  Governor  and  Com- 
mander-in-Chief  of  this  Commonwealth,  were  in 
terred  with  every  mark  of  respect  and  honor 
which  affection  and  gratitude  could  inspire/' 

The  journal  continues,  "  At  two  o'clock  the  pro 
cession  formed.  In  the  first  carriage  was  the 
amiable  lady  of  deceased.  *  *  *  *  Samuel  Adams, 
who  was  Lieutenant-Governor,  followed  the  bier 
as  chief  mourner.  The  Vice-President  was  among 
those  that  followed  the  corpse ;  the  members  of  the 
honorable  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of 
the  United  States;  judges  of  the  United  States 
courts,  who  appeared  for  the  last  time  in  full 
dress,  which  was  their  gowns  and  wigs ;"  the  Sec 
retary  of  War;  the  military  of  the  town  and  of 
the  neighboring  country,  the  officers  all  in  uni 
form  with  side-arms.  The  Boston  Artillery  had 


226  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

the  "  Hancock  piece  of  artillery  reversed,  with  a 
pall  of  black  velvet  over  it.  All  the  drums  in  the 
procession  "were  muffled  and  covered  with  crape/' 
There  were  municipal  officers,  the  various  incor 
porated  bodies,  strangers  and  citizens ;  the  barris 
ters,  Avho  "  wore  black  gowns  and  club  wigs,"  and 
the  "  funeral  closed  by  the  captains  of  vessels  and 
seamen,  with  flags  furled."  *  *  *  "'  During  the 
movement  of  the  procession  minute  guns  were 
fired  at  the  Castle,  and  from  a  detachment  of  Cap 
tain  Bradly's  Artillery  stationed  on  Beacon  Hill/'8 

In  Portland,  on  hearing  of  the  Governor's  de 
cease,  "  the  colors  of  all  the  vessels  were  imme- 
iately  placed  half-mast  high,  and  the  bells  tolled 
the  remainder  of  the  day/'  "  There  was  great 
pomp  and  solemnity,  and  amidst  the  tears  of  his 
countrymen  he  was  committed  to  the  dust."9 

One  of  the  papers  of  October  15111  notices  him 
thus :  '  To  record  with  precision  the  virtues  of 
his  mind,  the  philanthropy  of  his  heart — his  pa 
triotism,  or  his  usefulness,  were  to  insult  the  judg 
ment  of  every  American.  *  *  *  But  the  sor 
row,  visible  in  the  countenances  of  every  descrip 
tion  of  citizen,  is  a  better  testimony  to  his  exalted 
character  than  the  sublimest  effusions  of  the  most 
polished  writer." 

Under  Hancock's  pillow  was  found  the  minutes 
of  a  will.  He  had  intended  to  leave  his  mansion 
to  the  commonwealth,  as  a  residence  for  its  chief 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  227 

magistrate  and  for  other  purposes  of  Govern 
ment.10 

The  whole  of  the  mansion  house,  estate,  barn 
and  gardens,  except  a  triangular  gore,  4i  was  as 
signed  to  Madam  Hancock  as  her  dower,  as  was 
also  the  Hancock  wharf  and  all  the  buildings  con 
tiguous."  In  1855  forty  brick  buildings  stood  on 
his  estate  on  Beacon  Hill,  and  a  writer  says  it 
would  then  be  worth  "  a  million  and  a  half  dol 
lars." 

Governor  Hancock  had  left  orders  that  he  was 
to  be  buried  without  public  honors,  and  forbade 
the  firing  of  a  gun  over  his  grave.  The  State  Gov 
ernment  chose  to  have  the  management  of  the 
whole  affair  and  told  Madam  Hancock  that  the 
funeral  and  its  expenses  belonged  to  the  State. 
She  submitted  reluctantly  to  'the  arrangement,  but 
had  finally  to  pay  the  bills  of  the  obsequies  herself, 
which  amounted  to  eighteen  hundred  dollars.  This 
was  occasioned  by  a  vote  of  the  Legislature  not 
to  bury  any  more  Governors.  The  law  was 
changed  before  the  death  of  another.12 

In  1795  Madam  Hancock  deeded  her  share  of 
the  Governor's  garden  to  the  town  of  Boston,  on 
which  the  State  House  was  later  erected,  and 
stands  at  the  present  time.  She  endeavored  to 
keep  the  mansion  intact,  "  the  chamber  where 
Lafayette  remained  as  when  he  slept  in  it ;"  and 
the  "  audience  hall  was  left  as  when  all  the  distin 
guished  men  had  been  present :  Washington, 
D'Estaigne,  Brissot,  Percy,  etc."13 


CHAPTER  XXXV. 


MADAM  HANCOCK'S  HOSPITALITY — HER  TASTES — THE 
TRUSTED  ADVISER — THE  MARRIAGE  OF  MADAM 
HANCOCK — ESTHER'S  LETTERS — CAPTAIN  SCOTT'S 
DEATH. 


Madam  Hancock,  who  has  been  described  as  a 
woman  of  "  delightful  powers  of  conversation/'1 
continued  to  be  an  interesting  personage  to  visitors 
in  Boston,  as  well  as  to  residents  of  the  city.  Her 
memory  was  tenacious  of  former  times,  which  she 
talked  over  with  cheerfulness,  manifesting  no  re 
grets  that  they  were  gone.  She  was  "  naturally 
calm  and  tranquil,  but  spoke  with  much  anima 
tion  of  past  events.''  She  dispensed  hospitality 
and  private  charity  with  the  same  profuse  hand, 
and  the  poor  found  in  her  a  ready  friend. 

Count  Dal  Verne,  who  had  been  a  frequent  guest 
at  Madam  Hancock's,  writing  to  her  in  English, 
said,  "  Levee  day  is  every  day,"  because  of  tin- 
great  company  he  always  met  at  her  house. - 

We  have  remarked  that  Madam  Hancock  took 
no  prominent  part  as  an  individual.  It  was  not  the 
fashion  of  the  times  for  a  wife  to  act  independently 
of  her  husband.  She  is  not  illustrious  as  advocat 
ing  any  great  measure  for  the  benefit  of  her  sex 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  229 

or  of  the  public.  Refinement  and  high-breeding 
were  distinctive  in  character  then  as  now,  though 
women  differed  less  from  each  other  in  general 
ideas.  Madam  Hancock  was  thoroughly  feminine, 
with  the  impulses  of  a  large  and  generous  heart, 
and  she  completely  identified  herself  with  her  hus 
band. 

Madam  Hancock  found  great  pleasure  in  the 
society  of  her  nieces  and  great-nieces,  who  often 
made  long  visits  to  the  old  mansion  and  listened 
with  continued  delight  to  her  reminiscences.  To 
the  notes  of  one  of  them,  Miss  Martha  Quincy, 
who  passed  ten  years  with  her,  I  am  indebted  for 
many  quotations. 

Throughout  her  life  she  was  elegant,  as  well  as 
fastidious  in  her  dress,  and  someone  has  said,  ''She 
would  never  forgive  a  young  girl  who  did  not 
dress  to  please,  nor  one  who  seemed  pleased  with 
her  dress." 

Vividly  there  comes  to  my  mind  the  time  of 
my  girlhood,  when  I  peered  into  a  large  bureau 
drawer  to  regale  admiring  eyes  on  a  delicate  open- 
worked,  light  silk  kerchief  of  gossamer  texture, 
elaborately  embroidered  in  flowers  and  gold 
thread,  which  formerly  belonged  to  Madam  Han 
cock,  and  had  been  given  to  my  mother,  together 
with  some  silver,  in  the  distribution  of  her  ef 
fects. 

During  Madam  Hancock's  years  of  seclusion 
a  gentleman,  who  had  been  a  firm  friend  of  Gov- 


23o  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

ernor  Hancock,  became  her  trusted  adviser.  Her 
husband's  confidence  in  him  had  been  unlimited, 
and  Madam  Hancock  had  no  reason  to  withhold 
her  own.  He  was  conversant  with  Governor 
Hancock's  business  affairs,  and  his  constant  atten 
tion  was  a  great  support  to  the  widow.  She  was 
thankful  for  such  a  friend,  grateful  for  his  aid 
and  touched  by  his  tender  sympathy  until  he 
gradually  won  a  place  in  her  heart.  The  relatives 
and  the  community,  however,  were  startled  when 
their  engagement  was  announced. 

On  July  28,  1796,  to  the  regret  of  some  of  her 
friends,  Dorothy  Quincy  Hancock  married  Cap 
tain  James  Scott.  'The  Rev.  Peter  Thacher,  D.D., 
officiated  at  the  ceremony. 

Captain  Scott  was  a  widower,  with  children. 
He  was  a  man  of  fine  character,  but  there  was  a 
prestige  in  the  name  of  her  eminent  husband  that 
the  relatives  would  have  liked  her  to  retain.  It 
was  with  them  only  a  question  of  distinction. 
Madam  Hancock  had  received  a  surfeit  of  adula 
tion  which  no  longer  had  charms  for  her,  but  she 
may  have  been  for  that  very  reason  more  suscepti 
ble  to  the  earnest,  persuasive  pleadings  of  Captain 
Scott,  who  apparently  understood  how  well  direct 
ed  sympathy  inspires  tenderness  when  a  woman's 
heart  is  softened  by  sorrow. 

This  is  not  the  only  instance  in  which  a  woman, 
after  filling  a  high  position  during  her  first  mar 
riage,  has  made  a  second  choice  of  much  less  dis- 


DOROTHY   QUINCY  231 

tinguished  character.  But,  so  far  as  the  man  was 
concerned,  Madam  Hancock  had  no  cause  to  re 
gret  her  decision. 

Mrs.  Sewell  was  a  warm  advocate  of  the  match, 
and  used  her  influence  to  favor  it,  as  her  sister 
needed  this  strong  reliance  in  her  isolation.  She 
wrote  to  Madam  Hancock  from  St.  Johns,  July  6. 
1796,  and  said :  "  My  particular  remembrance  to 
Captain  Scott,  married  or  not.  Mr.  Sewell  bids 
me  give  his  love  to  Sister  Kate  and  you ;  and,  if 
you  are  married,  give  you  both  joy  from  Esther.''4 

The  long  distance  and  slow  transmission  of  let 
ters  delayed  news  between  the  sisters.  We  find 
Esther  writing  again,  uncertain  if  the  ceremony 
had  taken  place.  She  and  Captain  Scott  had  evi 
dently  interchanged  a  number  of  letters. 

This  is  a  reply  referring  to  his  missives,  August 
n,  1796: 

"  They  consoled  me  much  to  hear  my  sister  and 
friends  were  all  well,  and  going  on  in  the  old  social 
way  of  spending  life,  as  though  you  meant  to  live. 
And  was  I  near  enough  only  to  be  an  eye-witness  of 
your  happy  cheerfulness,  it  might  possibly  add  a  few 
years  to  my  life,  which  the  present  situation  I  now  am 
placed  in  from  the  allotments  of  Providence  is  more 
than  probable  may  be  curtailed.  But  sometimes  I'm 
led  to  look  forward  with  some  degree  of  hope  at  a 
future  period  to  spend  a  few  pleasurable  days  with  my 
nearest  connections  notwithstanding.  Should  I  not  ar 
rive  at  so  much  happiness,  believe  me,  I  have  every 
reason  to  be  thankful  and  am  doubly  rewarded  at  the 
singular  instance  of  prosperity  my  dear  sons  have  met 
with,  though  sore  on  my  mind  the  separation  hang. 
Still  I  endeavor  to  be  patient  and  try  to  be  happy. 
*  *  *  I  hope,  my  dear  sir,  after  offering  up  your 


232  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

prayers  so  solemnly  from  the  delays  of  matrimony,  that 
your  expected  union  with  my  sister  has  taken  place 
and  all  obstacles  removed  that  occasioned  the  delay. 
I  shall  receive  much  pleasure  when  I  hear  the  matter  i; 
settled  and  you  into  a  good  humor  again.  '  A  virtuous 
woman  is  a  crown  to  her  husband.'  I  hope  you  11  be 
fortunate  enough  to  meet  all  this  in  my  sister,  and 
spend  the  remainder  of  life  in  uninterrupted  happiness. 
*  *  *  I  have  seen  peas  but  twice  ;  they  were  old 
as  the  Boston  North  Bells." 

She  asks  Captain  Scott  to  send  her  some  winter 
cabbage  and  a  few  Carolina  potatoes,  concluding 
with: 

''  You  would  hear  me  bless  you  and  see  me  make  a 
bow  quite  from  here  to  Boston." 

There  were  many  other  commissions  given,  for 
which  he  was  to  send  the  bill ;  a  veil,  as  the  quality 
was  inferior  at  Montreal.  He  was  obliging,  as 
well  as  an  adept  in  executing  commissions  for 
Mrs.  Sewell  and  Madam  Hancock,  as  he  had  al 
ways  been  for  Governor  Hancock  when  in  Eng 
land. 

Evidently  Captain  Scott  had  encountered  many 
delays  from  the  widow  Hancock,  and  he  bewails 
this  to  the  compassionate  sister.  Without  doubt 
the  fair  Dorothy  experienced  numberless  misgiv 
ings  as  to  the  wisdom  of  the  step  she  was  contem 
plating,  and  wavered  and  wavered  with  a  woman's 
privilege  until  the  captain  resorted  to  prayer. 

"  Madam  Scott  "  now  withdrew  into  a  more  lim 
ited  circle,  and  was  consequently  less  before  the 
public.  Her  home  continued  open  to  callers,  main- 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  233 

taining  the  sociality  which  had  rendered  it  famous. 
She  retained  a  genuine  fondness  for  seeing  her 
friends  and  hearing  their  animated  voices,  while 
regaled  with  savory  viands. 

Later  in  life  one  of  the  young  visitors  compli 
mented  Madam  Scott  on  her  personal  appearance. 
She  laughingly  replied :  "  What  you  have  said  is 
more  than  half  a  hundred  years  old.  My  ears  re 
member  it,  but  what  were  dimples  once  are  wrin 
kles  now." 

Esther  writes,  February  13,  1800,  with  a  touch 
of  the  old  sprightliness,  and  wishes  she  could  have 
been  at  the  wedding  of  one  of  Captain  Scott's 
daughters.  She  advises  Miss  Scott  and  Kate  to 
get  husbands ;  that  "  they  are  necessary  evils/' 

She  writes  to  Captain  Scott  from  Montreal, 
1800,  relating  the  visitors  at  her  house,  and  says: 

"  We  take  a  pleasure  in  entertaining  our  American 
friends,  and  would  seriously  wish  you  to  come  on. 
Bring  your  '  rib '  and  the  new  married  pair.  I  rejoice 
with  you  and  your  new  son  and  daughter  on  their  pros 
pect  of  happiness.  Kindest  love  to  your  dear  wife  and 
sister  Katy.  I  wish  you  a  series  of  happiness 

and  long  life,  and  shall  esteem  it  ever  a  pleasure  to  re 
ceive  a  testimony  of  your  friendship  from  under  your 
own  hands.  And  with  tenderest  love  to  my  sister, 
dear  sir, 

"  Your  affectionate  friend  and  sister, 

"  ESTHER  SEWELL." 

That  long  life  to  Captain  Scott  wished  so  sin 
cerely  was  not  given.  He  died  in  1809  and  left 
many  bequests. 


*34  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

Among  those  to  his  wife  was  a  cellar  of  wine 
containing  "  300  gallons  which  was  of  London 
particular  Madeira." 

This  conveys  an  idea  of  the  stress  laid  in  the 
olden  times  on  a  well-appointed  wine  cellar. 


CHAPTER  XXXVI. 

THE  MORTGAGE— THE  MALL— LAFAYETTE  RETURNS  TO 
AMERICA— SALUTATION  TO  MADAM  SCOTT— HER 
DEATH — THE  WILL — MEMENTOS  OF  THE  HAN 
COCKS—PROPOSITIONS  TO  RETAIN  THE  HOUSE. 

Madam  Scott  had  received  no  business  train 
ing,  or  she  would  earlier  have  made  some  definite 
arrangement  looking  to  the  future,  when  a  mort 
gage  on  the  property  was  to  become  due.  The 
time  of  its  expiration  drew  near,  and,  as  widow 
of  Governor  Hancock,  she  became  a  petitioner  to 
the  Probate  Court,  stating  "  that  the  greatest  por 
tion  of  the  real  estate,  which  was  set  off  to  her  as 
dower  by  agreement  with  the  heirs,  had  been 
lately  taken  from  her  possession  by  reason  of  a 
mortgage,  which,  it  was  expected,  would  have  been 
paid  from  the  personal  estate  of  said  deceased. 
She  humbly  prays  for  the  consideration  of  the 
Judge  of  Probate,  and  that  some  allowance  may 
be  made  to  her  according  to  the  acts  aforesaid/' 
The  mortgage  was  foreclosed,  compelling  Madam 
Scott  to  pay  the  amount,  thus  curtailing  her  in 
come.  "  Nor  would  the  court  give  a  new  assign 
ment  of  dower/'1 


236  DOROTHY  QUINCY 

Madam  Scott,  whose  early  love  of  nature  had 
never  waned  under  all  the  changes  of  her  brilliant 
life,  delighted  in  the  fine  old  trees  of  the  mall, 
and  she  was  greatly  grieved  when  the  terrific 
gale  of  1815  swept  over  Boston,  carrying  destruc 
tion  in  its  path.  It  was  an  item  for  a  letter  sent 
over  the  sea  by  Mr.  Theo.  Lyman  to  his  college 
friend,  Edward  Everett,  then  in  Germany — "  How 
many  lamentations  has  poor  Madam  Scott  made 
over  that  beautiful  row  of  elms  opposite  to  her  res 
idence." 

What  would  she  say  to  the  present  transforma 
tion  of  this  ancient  ground,  where  sauntered  the 
belles  and  beaux  of  the  past  over  the  greensward ! 
"  Progress  "  has  excavated  a  tunnel,  and  through 
it  rushes,  rattles  and  whirrs  the  trolley  car ;  while 
above  stands  a  double  row  of  huge  granite  mon 
uments — the  passenger  exits.  A  short  distance 
from  the  site  of  the  old  Liberty  Tree,  whose  um 
brageous  branches  sheltered  the  sons  of  freedom 
while  devising  their  schemes,  a  monument  has 
been  erected  to  commemorate  the  brave  dead  who 
fought  in  1 86 1  to  retain  the  Southern  States  in 
the  Union.  A  park  that  suggests  a  "  thing  of 
beauty,"  with  statues,  fountains  and  flowers,  has 
been  intruded  upon  by  the  humanitarian,  as  well 
as  the  utilitarian,  for  a  multitude  of  tramps  and 
poor  sleep  on  its  grass  during  summer  nights  un 
molested  by  the  law. 


RESIDENCE  OF  JOHN  HANCOCK, 
As  it  appeared  after  the  removal  of  the  banquet  hall,  in  1818. 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  237 

It  has  been  stated  that  Lafayette,  "  in  his  exer 
tions  for  securing  the  liberties  of  America  and 
France,  had  reduced  an  estate  yielding  two  hun 
dred  thousand  livres  a  year  income  to  the  trifling 
sum  of  twenty  thousand  livres  annual  revenue."- 
He  longed  to  see  the  United  States  again,  and 
in  1824  landed  at  Boston,  where  they  gave  him  a 
grand  ovation.  The  streets  were  "  profusely  dec 
orated  with  arches;  and  during  his  progress  for 
more  than  three  miles  all  the  bells  in  the  city 
rung."  Business  was  suspended — the  whole  town 
adorned  in  holiday  attire ;  the  French  and  Ameri 
can  colors  prevailing.  "  Every  roof,  balcony, 
window  and  steeple  was  in  requisition  by  the  ex 
cited  multitude."3 

General  Lafayette,  seated  in  a  barouche  drawn 
by  four  white  horses,  came  slowly  through  the 
crowd  massed  on  each  side  of  the  street,  careful 
not  to  crush  the  welcoming  populace  extending 
their  homage  and  congratulations.  In  Tremont 
street,  amid  the  plaudits  of  the  hundreds  of  voices 
filling  the  air — amid  the  waving  of  handkerchiefs 
of  fair  dames,  a  chronicler  says,  one  face  arrested 
his  attention — it  was  that  of  the  widow  of  Gov 
ernor  Hancock.  She  was  seated  on  the  balcony  of 
a  house  then  called  Colonnade  Row.  Though  it 
was  many  years  before  that  he  had  been  enter 
tained  at  her  home,  he  recognized  the  lady,  and, 
with  ready  courtesy,  ordered  the  carriage  stopped 
in  front  of  the  house.  Rising,  he  placed  his  hand 


DOROTHY   QUINCY 

over  his  heart  and  made  a  profound  obeisance, 
which  was  gracefully  returned.  Then  followed 
peals  of  soul-stirring  shouts  from  the  interested 
spectators. 

Time,  that  blighting  monster  who  forgets  no 
one,  had  touched  a  light  finger  on  Madam  Scott, 

There  is  a  far-famed  poem  to  Dorothy  Quincy's 
aunt,  "  Dorothy  Q."  Jackson,  who  was  the  sister 
of  Judge  Edmund  Quincy,  written  by  her  de 
scendant,  Dr.  Oliver  W.  Holmes.  Unfortunately 
no  poem  is  extant  to  the  "  fascinating  wife  of  John 
Hancock.  No  poetical  descendant  lives  to  immor 
talize  here  in  smooth,  flowing  verse ;  but,  instead, 
her  praises  have  been  sounded  in  the  dull  rhythm 
of  prose. 

After  a  long  and  eventful  life  Madam  Scott  died 
in  1830,  and  was  laid  in  the  old  Granary  Burying 
Ground.  Thus  passed  away  one  of  the  most  not 
able  society  women  of  the  Revolution.  She  had 
outlived  most  of  those  who  had  known  her  in  her 
exalted  stations.  She  had  watched  the  changes  of 
Presidential  rulers  with  closest  attention.  She 
had  rejoiced  in  the  growth  and  prosperity  of  her 
country,  the  great  work  for  which  her  husband 
had  so  long  and  untiringly  struggled,  and  knew 
how  intense  would  have  been  his  gratitude  and 
gratification  at  a  result  he  so  much  desired. 

Her  long  life  ended  mourned  by  a  large  circle 
of  friends  and  relatives.  "  Aunt  Scott  "  to  them 
was  a  beacon  of  the  Revolution ;  an  embodied  his- 


DOROTHY  QUINCY  239 

tory  of  the  past.  Her  memory  was  retentive,  as 
her  interest  had  been  great  on  all  subjects  of  par 
amount  importance.  Her  fund  of  reminiscences 
seemed  inexhaustible.  A  friend  of  Washington ; 
with  him  she  had  actually  conversed.  Martha 
Washington  and  herself  had  chatted  together  over 
their  respective  husbands ;  and  Mrs.  Washington 
had  descanted  on  the  high  position  of  Hancock, 
while  her  husband,  then,  was  a  General.  She  had 
known  Lafayette  and  most  of  the  heroes  who  were 
identified  with  that  stormy  period.  She  had  been 
present  at  the  Lexington  fight — heard  the  first 
gun  fired  for  independence.  Had  not  the  King 
put  a  price  upon  her  lover's  head?  Here  was 
romance  indeed  for  the  younger  listeners. 

She  had  innumerable  old  letters  for  them  to 
pore  over  with  delight  from  Americans  and  titled 
foreigners,  recognizing  with  thanks  her  hospi 
tality. 

She  had  shared  in  the  honors  and  ovations  that 
Hancock  unceasingly  received ;  yet,  in  all  her  nar 
rations,  there  was  the  same  quiet  repose,  with  oc 
casional  glowing  fervor,  that  had  ever  distin 
guished  her — the  true  type  of  a  lady  "  to  the 
manner  born." 

In  her  will  she  remembered  specially  each  niece 
and  nephew.  She  gave  to  Jonathan  Sewell,  at 
Quebec,  her  large  silver  tankard;  and  to  his 
brother  Stephen,  of  Montreal,  she  writes,  "  My 
large  silver  tankard,  with  a  cover  to  it,  as  marks 


DOROTHY  QUINCY 

of  my  affection  for  them  and  my  affectionate  re 
membrance  of  their  father  and  mother." 

To  Mrs.  Salisbury  she  left  a  large  silver  cake- 
basket,  requesting  her  to  "  have  it  used  at  the 
weddings  of  my  nephews  and  nieces,  as  it  has 
been  heretofore." 

The  residue  of  the  property  was  divided  equally 
among  her  nieces  and  nephews  by  the  court. 

The  valuation  put  upon  some  of  her  effects 
reads  strangely  now.  Miniatures  of  Thomas  Han 
cock  and  lady,  by  Copley,  valued  at  five  dollars; 
a  painting  of  Washington,  four  dollars;  twenty- 
two  old  engravings,  ten  dollars.  There  were  por 
traits  of  Sir  H.  Frankland,  Peyton  Randolph,  a 
Rubens,  a  Van  Dyck,  and  a  Washington  and 
Franklin,  in  wax,  etc. 

One  of  her  coaches,  with  yellow  body  and  coat- 
of-arms  on  the  door,  was  given  to  her  niece,  Mrs. 
Clapp,  widow  of  Hon.  A.  G.  Clapp,  who  for 
some  years  used  it  occasionally.  One  day  she 
directed  her  coachman  to  take  it  to  be  renovated. 
When  it  was  again  ordered  for  a  drive  her  amaze 
ment  was  unbounded  at  the  startling  transforma 
tion.  There  stood  the  coach,  but  hardly  to  be  rec 
ognized  under  an  entire  coat  of  fresh  brown  paint. 
This  coach  is  now  owned  by  Miss  M.  J.  E.  Clapp, 
of  Portland,  Me.,  one  of  Mrs.  Clapp's  grand 
daughters. 

Pieces  of  Madam  Scott's  handsome  brocade 
dresses  have  been  treasured  and  framed  bv  her 


DOROTHY  QUINCY.  241 

nieces  and  great-nieces.  Mrs.  Montgomery  Blair, 
of  Washington,  D.  C,  owned  a  high-back,  antique 
carved  chair  covered  with  one  of  the  rich  brocade 
breadths.  The  chair  was  burnt,  with  Mr.  Blair's 
country-seat,  by  the  Confederates  during  the  Civil 
War,  as  Mr.  Blair  was  a  member  of  President 
Lincoln's  cabinet. 

There  are  many  valuable  mementos  of  the  Han 
cocks  stowed  in  safety  vaults  or  adorning  houses 
of  private  individuals.  Boston  has  some  relics  on 
exhibition  in  the  Memorial  Hall  of  the  old  State 
House.  John  Hancock's  large  Bible,  and  large 
Book  of  Common  Prayer,  a  velvet  coat  and  vest,  a 
pair  of  shoe  buckles,  a  copper  tea  kettle,  made  by- 
Paul  Revere ;  a  cup  of  old  India  china  with  flower 
decorations.  There  are  a  pair  of  white  satin  slip 
pers  belonging  to  Madam  Hancock,  from  which 
minuets  and  contra-dances  have  brushed  away  the 
freshness ;  also  a  pair  of  pale  blue  kid,  the  tops  em 
broidered  in  silver,  with  small  crimson  flowers. 

Hanging  in  an  adjoining  room  is  a  large  quaint 
sampler  which  rivets  the  attention.  This  style  of 
embroidery,  so  much  the  fashion  in  those  earlv 
days,  is  a  reminder  of  wasted  time  and  eyesight. 
This  example  is  over  a  yard  wide,  and  nearly  the 
same  in  height,  the  work  of  Miss  Hannah  Otis, 
sister  of  the  patriot.  It  represents  the  Hancock 
house,  the  Common  and  Charles  river — labeled, 
"  It  was  considered  a  chef  d'oeuvre  at  the  time, 
and  made  much  noise." 


24*  DOROTHY  QUINCY. 

John  Hancuck,  dressed  in  a  red  coat  and  mount 
ed  on  a  white  charger,  is  depicted  swiftly  canter 
ing  over  the  mall  followed  by  his  negro  on  foot. 
Cows,  roosters,  dogs  and  rabbits  are  also  in  wild 
motion;  stately  deer  adorn  the  landscape;  large 
birds  are  winging  through  the  air  or  perched  on 
trees,  and  scarlet  flowers  border  the  foreground. 

Standing  by  the  river  wall  is  Dorothy  Quincy. 
with  a  companion.  Miss  Quincy  is  dressed  in  fawn 
color,  with  long  black  gloves,  holding  an  open  fan 
and  gazing  after  her  lover.  It  is  a  most  elaborate 
piece  of  work,  attesting  the  industry  of  the  fair 
dame  who  embroidered  it,  and  must  be  a  cherished 
reminder  of  the  past. 

There  is  an  elaborate  sampler,  owned  for  long 
years  in  the  Quincy  family,  which  now  hangs  in 
the  parlor  of  Mrs.  Sarah  H.  Swan,  of  Cambridge, 
Mass.  It  is  a  most  rare  and  beautiful  specimen  of 
work,  equally  fine  on  both  sides.  Three  dames 
face  you,  in  huge  hooped  skirts,  a  wealth  of  hair 
falling  to  their  shoulders;  below  there  are  two 
other  figures,  a  lion  standing  between  them,  the 
spaces  filled  in  with  flowers  and  other  designs; 
while  the  rest  of  the  canvas,  which  is  quite  large, 
has  rows  of  varied  specimens  of  embroidery — a 
study  for  the  lover  of  needlework. 

In  1859  Governor  Banks  proposed  that  the  com 
monwealth  should  purchase  the  Hancock  mansion, 
and  "  a  strong  effort  was  made  to  save  this  old 
New  England  monument."  It  was  reported  upon 


DOROTHY  QUINCY. 

favorably  by  a  joint  committee  of  the  Legislature, 
but  encountered  active  opposition  from  the  rural 
districts  and  was  defeated.  Suggestions  were 
also  made  to  retain  it  for  the  residence  of  the  Gov 
ernor  or  a  museum  of  Revolutionary  treasures. 
The  house  was  in  excellent  preservation,  and  the 
interior  woodwork  perfectly  sound. 

State  action  having  failed,  another  effort  was 
made,  in  1863,  to  secure  the  relics  in  the  build 
ing.  The  heirs  offered  for  sale  ''the  mansion, 
with  pictures  and  other  objects  of  historical  inter 
est,  with  the  design  of  preserving  it  as  a  memento 
of  colonial  and  Revolutionary  history.''  This 
proffer  was  rejected;  the  solid  granite  walls  were 
torn  down  to  be  replaced  by  a  modern  brown- 
stone  house,  and  years  after4  the  spot  was  marked 
by  a  bronze  tablet,  clamped  to  an  iron  fence,  with 
an  inscription  marking  the  site  as  that  of  John 
Hancock's  residence. 

While  the  work  of  demolition  was  in  progress  a 
gentleman  passing  through  the  mansion,  who  was 
a  friend  of  Mrs.  L.  Woodbury,  noticed  a  pane  of 
glass  on  which  she  had  cut  her  name  when  a  little 
girl  making  a  visit  to  her  great-aunt.  Believing  it 
would  be  a  revered  souvenir  he  asked  to  have  it 
taken  from  the  window  frame,  intending  to  pre 
sent  it  to  the  family.  This  was  obligingly  done, 
and  the  glass  placed  on  a  chair  while  he  made  the 
circuit  of  the  house.  On  his  return  the  glass  lay 
shivered  to  atoms  through  a  workman's  careless 
ness. 


CHAPTER  XXXVII. 

THE  LEXINGTON  HOUSE— EFFORTS  TO  SAVE  IT— HAN 
COCK'S  GRAVE— THE  MONUMENT— WHERE  DORO 
THY  QUINCY  RESTS. 

The  old  Hancock  house  at  Lexington,  which 
had  been  built  about  1700,  by  Rev.  John  Han 
cock,  grandfather  of  the  patriot,  was  preserved 
with  the  greatest  care  during  the  life  of  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Clark,  and  every  object  within  it  held  in 
reverence.  The  rooms,  which  Samuel  Adams  and 
John  Hancock  occupied;  the  table,  chairs  and  the 
hard-pine  floor;  even  the  dilapidated  paper  was 
retained  until  the  house  passed  into  the  possession 
of  a  lady,  who,  finding  no  tenant,  ordered  it  pulled 
down. 

One  account  states  that  the  whole  village  pro 
tested.  "  They  argued  with  her,  pleaded  with  her, 
and  offered  her  money."  She  was  obdurate, 
though  in  comfortable  circumstances,  until  the 
"  energy  and  tact "  of  a  reverend  clergyman  pre 
vailed,  and  she  accepted  a  proffer  for  the  house 
on  condition  that  it  was  moved  off  of  her  ground. 

In  December,  1840,  it  was  suggested  by  George 
Mountford,  Esq.,  of  Boston,  that  a  monument  be 
raised  to  John  Hancock  in  the  Merchants'  Ex- 


DOROTHY  QUINCY.  245 

change  on  Wall  street,  New  York.  The  project 
failed,  patriotic  interest  centering  in  memorials 
of  more  recent  heroes. 

Governor  Hancock's  grave  in  the  old  Granary 
Burying  Ground  was  marked  by  a  small  slab  of 
granite  such  as  was  used  at  that  period.  There  is 
nothing  distinctive  about  it,  the  inscription  being 
simply : 


"  No.    16. 

TOMB   OF    HANCOCK." 


Years  and  years  passed  and  the  spot,  where  re 
posed  one  of  the  most  generous,  ardent,  and  un 
tiring  workers  for  independence,  seemed  almost 
forgotten  until  a  colored  man  proposed  in  the 
Legislature  that  a  monument  to  John  Hancock 
be  erected.  His  appeal  passed  the  House  and  the 
sum  of  three  thousand  dollars  was  voted  for  a  me 
morial  to  one  who  probably  did  as  much  in  his 
day  for  the  Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts  as 
any  of  her  sons. 

On  the  loth  of  September,  1896,  there  was  un 
veiled  in  the  Granary  Burying  Ground  the  mon 
ument  to  John  Hancock — a  granite  shaft,  eighteen 
feet  high  by  three  and  a  half  feet  in  width,  with  a 
bas-relief  on  one  side,  around  which  "  is  an  oak 
leaf  wreath,  symbolic  of  the  strength  and  stead- 


246  DOROTHY  QUINCY. 

fastness  of  the  patriot's  character."  Under  it  are 
the  words,  in  Roman  characters,  "  This  memorial 
erected  A.  D.  1896,  by  the  Commonwealth  of 
Massachusetts  to  mark  the  grave  of  John  Han 
cock."  "  The  motto,  Obsta  Principles,  which 
means,  resist  in  the  beginning,  is  on  the  scroll  of 
the  coat-of-arms.  The  whole  is  surrounded  by  a 
Greek  anthemion  or  honeysuckle  ornamentation." 

#  *  sjc  *  #  #  jfc  * 

The  ancient,  dark  stone  slab  leans  on  the  fence 
nearby,  its  jagged,  chipped  edges  testifying  to  the 
ruthless  hand  of  the  untiring  relic-hunter,  it  may 
be  hoped,  showing  the  warm  hearts  of  appreciative 
admirers. 

Here  rests  Dorothy  Quincy;  the  tall,  old  trees 
standing  as  sentinels,  filling  the  air  with  sighs  as 
they  sway  their  huge  branches  in  mournful  dirges 
over  those  that  sleep  beneath. 


REFERENCES. 


CHAPTER  i.  i.  The  Quincy  Family,  by  Salisbury. 

2.  Letters  of  Abigail  Adams,  p.  327. 
CHAPTER  ii.  i.  John  Adams'  Works,   Diary,  etc.. 

vol.  2,  p.  8. 

2.  Letter    owned    by    Mrs.    William 

Wales,  Dorchester,  Mass. 

3.  Letter    owned    by    Mrs.    William 

Wales. 

4.  Works,  Diary,  etc.,  of  John  Adams 

(edition  1850),  p.  56. 

5.  Works,  Diary,  etc.,  of  John  Adams, 

p.  62. 

6.  Works,  Diary,  etc.,  of  John  Adams. 

vol.  2,  p.  78. 

7.  Massachusettensis,  p.  5. 

8.  The  Sewell  Family,  by  Salisbury. 

9.  Massachusetts  Records,  vol.  97,  p. 

319,  and  vol.  95,  pp.  13-14. 

CHAPTER  iv.  i.  American  Biography  of  the  Sign 

ers  of  the  Declaration  of  Inde 
pendence,  vol.  i,  by  Sanderson 
(edition  of  1823.) 

2.  Atlantic    Monthly,     1853  ;    Boston 

Herald,  June,  1890;  John  Han 
cock's  book,  p.  703. 

3.  New  England  Historical  Genealog 

ical  Register,  vol.  13,  p.  328. 

4.  Letter  to  Rev.  Daniel  Perkins. 

5.  History      of      Massachusetts,      by 

Barry,  vol.  2,  p.  313. 

6.  History     of     Massachusetts.       by 

Barry,  vol.  2,  p.  316. 

7.  Works,  Diary,  etc.,  of  John  Adams. 

vol.  10,  p.  265. 

8.  History  of  Lexington,  by  Hudson, 

P.  117- 


DOROTHY  QUINCY. 


CHAPTER  v. 


CHAPTER  vi. 


CHAPTER  vii. 


9- 

10. 


History  of  New  England,  by  Ell 
iott,  p.  272. 

Works,  Diary,  etc.,  of  John  Adams, 
p.  213. 

Signers  of  Independence,  by  Jud- 
son. 

Life  of  Samuel  Adams,  vol.  i,  p.  475 

Life  of  Samuel  Adams,  vol.  I,  p.  397. 

History  of  Independence  Hall,  by 
Belisle,  p.  134. 

Life  of  Samuel  Adams,  vol.  I,  p.  397. 

Life  of  Arthur  Lee,  vol.  2,  p.  202. 

History  of  Massachusetts,  by  Hutch 
inson,  vol.  3,  p.  346. 

Life  of  Samuel  Adams,  vol.  i,  p.  475. 

Lossing's  Field  Book  of  the  Amer 
ican  Revolution,  vol.  i,  p.  493. 

Life  of  Arthur  Lee,  vol.  2,  p.  203. 

American  Biography  of  the  Sign 
ers  of  the  Declaration  of  Inde 
pendence. 

Works,  Diary,  etc..  of  John  Adams, 
vol.  10,  p.  109. 

New  England  Historical  Genealog 
ical  Register,  vol.  28,  p.  182. 

Barry's  History  of  Massachusetts, 
vol.  2,  p.  17. 

Life  of  Paul  Revere,  by  E.  H.  Goss. 
vol.  i,  p.  128. 

New  England  Historical  Genealog 
ical  Register,  vol.  22,  p.  57. 

Lossing's  Field  Book  of  the  Amer 
ican  Revolution,  vol.  I,  p.  513. 

Siege  of  Boston,  p.  40. 

Life  of  Samuel  Adams,  vol.  2,  p.  140. 

Life  of  Samuel  Adams,  vol.  2,  p.  138. 

History  of  Massachusetts,  by  Brad 
ford,  from  July,  1775. 

Works.  Diary,  etc.,  of  John  Adams, 
vol.  2,  p.  332. 

Loring's    One    Hundred    Orators, 
pp.  78-79. 

Loring's    One    Hundred    Orators. 
PP.  78-79. 


DOROTHY  QUINCY. 


249 


CHAPTER  viii. 


CHAPTER  ix 


CHAPTER  x. 


8.  Massachusetts    Historical    Society, 

vol.  8,  p.  327- 

9   Life  of  Samuel  Adams,  vol.  I,  p.  343- 
10.  The  Massachusetts  Spy,  March  10, 

1774. 
n.  Christopher  Marshall's  Diary,  p.  6. 

12.  Patriots'  Day,  Concord  and  Lex 

ington,  by  G.  J.  Varney. 

13.  History  of  New  England,  by  Kll- 

iott;  Barry's  History  of  Massa 
chusetts,  vol.  2,  p.  482. 

14.  Barry's  History  of  Massachusetts. 

vol.  2,  p.  484. 

15.  Loring's    One    Hundred    Orators, 

p.  78. 

16.  Judson's  Signers  of  the  Declaration 

of  Independence. 

17.  Life  of  James  Otis,  by  Tudor,  p. 

261. 

18.  New  England  Historical  Genealog 

ical  Register,  vol.  20,  p.  188. 

19.  John  Adams'  Works,   Diary,  etc.. 

vol.  10,  p.  163. 

20.  John  Adams'  Works,   Diary,   etc.. 

vol.  2,  p.  216. 

1.  John  Adams'  Works,   Diary,   etc., 

vol.  10,  p.  259. 

2.  New  England  Historical  Genealog 

ical  Register,  vol.  21,  p.  60. 

3.  Pennsylvania  Evening  Post,  Janu 

ary,  1775- 

4.  Pennsylvania  Gazette,  May  3,  1775- 

5.  Dunlap's  Packet  and  General  Ad 

vertiser,  February  27,  1775- 

6.  Pennsylvania  Journal  and  Weekly 

Advertiser. 

1.  History  of  Lexington,  by  Hudson, 

archives,  vol.  2,  p.  211. 

2.  Letter    owned    by    Mrs.     William 

Wales. 

3.  John  Adams'   Works,    Diary,   etc.. 

vol.  10,  p.  263. 

T.  Life  of  Elbridge  Gerry,  vol.  i,  p.  67. 
2.  History  of  Lexington,  by  Hudson. 

pp.  I7I-I73- 


250 


DOROTHY  QUINCY. 


CHAPTER  xi. 


CHAPTER  xii. 


CHAPTER  xiii. 


New   Hampshire  Gazette,   May  5? 

1775. 

Life  of  Paul  Revere,  p.  90. 

New  England  Historical  Genealog 
ical  Register. 

History  of  Lexington,  by  Hudson, 
p.  164. 

Pennsylvania  Gazette,  1775. 

New  England  Historical  Genealog 
ical  Register,  vol.  31,  p.  380. 

Samuel  Adams'  Life,  vol.  2,  p.  251. 

Mrs.  Lamb's  History  of  New 
York,  vol.  2,  p.  28. 

Barry's  History  of  Massachusetts, 
vol.  3,  p.  14. 

Letter  owned  by  Mrs.  William 
Wales. 

Proctor's  Massachusetts  Historical 
Society,  Series  2-6,  p.  396. 

New  England  Historical  Genealog 
ical  Register,  vol.  19,  p.  136. 

Pennsylvania  Journal  and  Weekly 
Advertiser,  1775. 

Samuel  Adams'  Life,  vol.  2,  p.  299. 

Loring's  One  Hundred  Orators, 
P-  93- 

Life  of  James  Otis,  by  Tudor,  pp. 
37,  268. 

New  England  Magazine,  1892,  ar 
ticle  by  H.  C.  Walsh. 

Independent  Chronicle  and  Uni 
versal  Advertiser,  July  8,  1775. 

Watson's  Annals  of  Philadelphia, 
vol.  2,  p.  334. 

Hildreth's  History  of  the  United 
States,  vol.  3,  p.  46. 

Writings  of  George  Washington, 
by  Sparks. 

Frothingham's  Siege  of  Boston, 
p.  40. 

Letter  owned  by  Mrs.  William 
Wales. 

Life  of  Elbridge  Gerry,  vol.  i  p. 
189. 


DOROTHY  QUINCY. 


251 


9.  John  Adams'  Works,  Diary,  etc.. 

vol.  2,  p.  517- 

10.   Lite  of  Elbridge  Gerry,  vol.  i,  p.  83. 
CHAPTER  xiv.         i.    New  England  Historical  Genealog 
ical  Register,  vol.  n,  p.  166,  let 
ter  belonging  to  J.  G.  White. 

2.  Dunlap's  Pennsylvania  Packet  and 

General  Advertiser. 

3.  Letter  in  Belknap's  Papers,  vol.  4. 

p.  121,  Massachusetts  Historical 
Collection. 

4.  Watson's  Annals  of  Philadelphia, 

p.  214. 

5.  Watson's   Annals   of   Philadelphia, 

p.  285. 
6    Independent  Chronicle,  October  17. 

1793- 

7.  Tudor' s  Life  of  James  Otis,  p.  267. 

S.  Article,  by  Martha  Quincy,  in 
"Our  Country,"  by  Mrs.  Phelps, 
p.  265. 

9.  New  England  Historical  Genealog 
ical  Register,  vol.  8,  p.  187. 
CHAPTER  xv.          i.  Diary     of     Christopher     Marshall, 

P-  53- 

2.  Independence  Hall,  by  Belisle,  p. 

138. 

3.  American  Anecdotes,  p.  in,  "Dis 

interested    Patriotism    of    Han 
cock." 

4.  Sparks'  Life  of  Washington. 

5.  Martha  Quincy's  Article. 

6.  Franklin,  by  Sparks,  vol.  4,  p.  340. 
CHAPTER  xvi.         i.  Connecticut  Gazette  and  Universal 

Intelligencer,  February  16.  1776. 

2.  Sparks'  Washington,  vol.  3,  p.  53°- 

3.  New  England  Historical  Genealog 

ical  Register,  vol.  13,  p.  231. 

4.  New  Hampshire  Gazette  and  Week 

ly  Mercury,  April  i,  1776. 

5.  New   England    Chronicle,    May  9. 

1776. 

6.  Cambridge  of  1776,  p.  67. 
CHAPTER  xvii.        i.  New  England  Gazette  and  Weekly 

Mercury,  May  20. 


DOROTHY  QUINCY. 


2.  Salisbury's  Families,  p.  340. 

3.  Letters  owned  by  Mrs.  S.  H.  Swan. 

4.  Homes  of  American  Statesmen,  ar 

ticle  by  J.  H.  R.  Hildreth. 

5.  Sparks'  Life  of  Washingt9n,  vol.  3. 

6.  John  Adams'  Works,   Diary,  etc., 

vol.  2,  p.  416. 

7.  Barry's  History  of  Massachusetts, 

vol.  3,  PP-  92-3- 

CHAPTER  xviii.       i.  New  England  Historical  Genealog 
ical  Register. 

2.  Signers  of  the  Declaration  of  In 

dependence,  by  Dwight,  p.  25. 

3.  New  England  Historical  Genealog 

ical  Register,  vol.  29,  p.  451. 

4.  Lamb's  History  of  New  York,  vol. 

2,  p.  91. 

5.  Lossing's  Field  Book  of  the  Amer 

ican  Revolution,  vol.  2,  p.  288. 

6.  Connecticut  Gazette  and  Universal 

Intelligencer,  1776. 

7.  New    York    Gazette    and    Weekly 

Mercury,  June  24,  1776. 

8.  Salisbury's  Families,  p.  341. 

9.  Salisbury,  p.  342. 

10.  Loring's    One    Hundred    Orators, 

P.  99- 

CHAPTER  xix.         i.  New    York    Gazette    and    Weekly 
Mercury,  February  2,  1778. 

2.  John  Adams'  Works,   Diary,  etc., 

vol.  I,  p.  192. 

3.  S.  J.  Fisher's  "  Men,  Women,  etc., 

of  Colonial  Times." 

4.  Loring's    One    Hundred    Orators. 

P-  95- 

5.  Letter    owned    by    Mrs.    William 

Wales. 

6.  H.  C.  Walsh's  Article  in  New  Eng 

land  Magazine,  June,  1892. 

7.  Letter   owned  by   Mrs.    Sarah   H. 

Swan. 
CHAPTER  xx.          i.  Salisbury's  Family  Memorials,  pp. 

344-5- 

2.  Life    of    Elbridge    Gerry,    vol.    i. 
p.  271. 


DOROTHY  QUINCY. 


253 


CHAPTER  xxi. 


CHAPTER  xxii. 


3.  Life  of  James  Reed,  vol.  2,  p.  24. 

4.  New  England  Historical  Genealog 

ical  Register,  vol.  12,  p.  106. 

5.  Sparks'  Life  and  Letters  of  Wash 

ington  (edition  1834),  vol.  S- 
p.  106. 

6.  Sparks'  Life  and  Letters  of  Wash 

ington    (edition    1834),    vol.    5, 

p.  133- 

7.  Gordon's   History  of  Insurrection 

or  Revolution,  vol.  3,  pp.  18,  21. 
8    Letter  •  owned    by    Mrs.    William 
Wales. 

1.  John   Hancock's   Letter-Book,   A. 

E.  Brown's  article.* 

2.  Cambridge   of   1776,   Diary   of   D. 

Dudley. 

3.  Memorial  History  of  Boston,  vol. 

2,  p.  452. 

4.  Massachusetts  Magazine,  July,  1789, 

P-  39°. 

5.  This  is  from  a  photograph  of  Cop 

ley's  portrait,  owned  by  Mrs. 
Cushing,  of  Portsmouth,  N.  H. 

6.  John      Hancock's      Letter -Book. 

Abram  E.  Brown's  article  in 
Boston  Evening  Transcript,  Jan 
uary  22,  1898. 

7.  Life  and  Letters  of  John  Adams. 

1.  Memorial  History  of  Boston,  vol. 

4,  P.  4- 

2.  New  England  Historical  Genealog 

ical  Register,  vol.  35,  p.  41. t 

3.  New  England  Historical  Genealog 

ical  Register,  vol.  12,  p.  316. 

4.  New  England  Magazine,  article  by 

H.  C.  Walsh,  June,  1892. 

5.  Letters    owned    by    Mrs.    William 

Wales. 

6.  Letter  owned  by  Mrs.  S.  H.  Swan. 

7.  New    York    Gazette    and    Weekly 

Mercury,  1778. 


*In  Boston  Evening  Transcript,  January 
fCommunication  of  H.  W.  Bryant,  Esq. 


22,  1898. 


DOROTHY  QUINCY. 

8.  Sparks'  Life  of  Washington,  vol.  6. 

p.  44. 

9.  Lafayette's    Memoirs   and   Letters, 

vol.  i,  p.  82. 

ro.  Gordon's   History  of  Insurrection 
and  Revolution. 

11.  New  England  Historical  Genealog 

ical  Register. 

12.  Lafayette's   Memoirs   and   Letters. 

PP;  193,  200. 

13.  Providence    Gazette    and    Country 

Journal,  1778. 

CHAPTER  xxiii.       i.  Martha   Quincy's   article  in  "  Our 
Country." 

2.  Connecticut   Gazette   and   Univer 

sal  Intelligencer. 

3.  New    York    Gazette    and    Weekly 

Mercury,  September  19,  1778. 

4.  New    York    Gazette    and    Weekly 

Mercury,  April  13,  1778. 

5.  Loring's    One    Hundred    Orators. 

p.  106. 

6.  Independent  Chronicle. 

7.  Connecticut   Gazette   and   Univer 

sal   Intelligencer,   November  4, 

8.  Lafayette's   Memoirs   and   Letters. 

by  his  Family,  vol.  i,  p.  202. 

CHAPTER  xxiv.      i.  New    York    Gazette    and    Weekly 
Mercury,  April  13,  1778. 

2.  Life  of  Samuel  Adams,  vol.  3,  p.  57. 

3.  Life  of  Jas.  Otis,  by  Tudor,  p.  264. 

4.  Connecticut   Gazette  and  Univer 

sal     Intelligencer.     August     u. 
1779- 

5.  Life  and  Letters  of  Franklin,  vol. 

6,  pp.  51,  187  (edition  1888).  and 
vol.  8,  pp.  278-9. 

6.  Lives  of  Signers  of  the  Declaration 

of  Independence,  by  Sanderson, 
p.  18. 

7.  Life  of  James  Sullivan,  p.  245. 

8.  New  England  Historical  Genealog 

ical  Register,  vol.  26,  p.  20. 


DOROTHY  QUINCY. 


9.  Sermon  by  Dr.  Thatcher  on  John 

Hancock's  death. 

10.  New  England  Historical  Genealog 
ical  Register,  vol.  4,  p.  304. 

CHAPTER  xxv.        i.  Connecticut  Gazette  and  Universal 
Intelligencer,  March  I,  1779. 

2.  Two  letters  owned  by  Mrs.  b.  H. 

Swan. 

3.  Salisbury's  Quincy  Family,  p.  322. 

4.  Mrs.  S.  H.  Swan's  letter. 

5.  Providence  Gazette,  May  13,  1780. 

6.  Memoirs,      Correspondence      and 

Manuscripts  of  Lafayette,  p.  94. 

7.  Memoirs,      Correspondence      and 

Manuscripts  of  Lafayette,  p.  98. 

8.  Memoirs,      Correspondence      and 

Manuscripts  of  Lafayette,  p.  133. 

CHAPTER  xxvi.       i.  Gordon's  History  of  the  American 
Revolution. 

2.  Life  of  James  Sullivan,  p.  280. 

3.  Allen's     Biographical     Dictionary, 

p.  328. 

4.  Bradford's    History   of   Massachu 

setts,  p.  331. 

5.  Loring's  One  Hundred  Orators. 

6.  ShurtlefFs  Description  of  Boston, 

1782. 

7.  Marquis   de   Chastelleux's   Travels 

in    North   America,    1780-81-82, 
vol.  2,  p.  260. 

8.  Abbe  Robin,  vol.  3,  p.  169,  Memo 

rial  History  of  Boston. 

9.  Magazine    of    American    History, 

vol.  4,  pp.  209,  213,  205. 
10.  Letter  owned  by  Mrs.  S.  H.  Swan. 
CHAPTER  xxvii.     i.  Barry's  History  of  Massachusetts, 
vol.  3,  p.  198. 

2.  "  Our  Country,"  by  Mrs.  Phelps. 

3.  Massachusetts     Historical    Collec 

tion,  vol.  6,  p.  85. 
4    Loring's  One  Hundred  Orators. 

5.  Drake's  Landmarks  of  Boston. 

6.  Miss  Quincy. 


DOROTHY  QUINCY. 


7.  Providence    Gazette    and    Country 

Journal,  November,  1781. 

8.  Life  of  James  Otis,  by  Tudor,  p. 

264. 

9.  Life  of  John  Trumbull,  p.  57. 

10.  Burrage's  Lecture. 

11.  Miss  Martha  Quincy. 

12.  Belisle's  Independence  Hall,  p.  141. 

13.  Loring's  One  Hundred  Orators. 

14.  Burrage's  Lecture. 

15.  Life  of  Samuel  Adams,  vol.  3,  p.  375. 
CHAPTER  xxviii.    I.  Miss  Martha  Quincy. 

2.  John  Adams'  Works,   Diary,  etc., 

vol.  10,  p.  260. 

3.  John  Hancock's  Letter-Book,   ar 

ticle  of  A.  E.  Brown. 

CHAPTER  xxix.      i.   New  England  Historical  Genealog 
ical  Register,  vol.  15,  p.  61. 

2.  Memorial  History  of  Boston,  vol. 

4,  P.  173- 

3.  Old  Landmarks  of  Boston. 

4.  Life  of  James  Sullivan,  vol.  i,  p.  250. 

5.  Miss  Martha  Quincy. 
CHAPTER  xxx.       i.  Letter    owned    by     Mrs.     William 

Wales. 

2.  Barry's  History  of  Massachusetts, 

vol.  3,  PP-  237,  258. 

3.  Bradford's    History   of   Massachu 

setts  (edition  1829),  vol.  3,  p.  37. 

4.  Massachusetts    Historical    Society, 

vol.  4,  P.  417. 

5.  Loring's    One    Hundred    Orators, 

P.  74- 

6.  Massachusetts    Sentinel,    February 

6,  1788. 

/.  Bancroft's    History   of  the   United 
States,  vol.  6,  p.  395. 

8.  Life  of  James  Sullivan. 

9.  Judson's  Signers  of  the  Declaration 

of  Independence,  p.  29. 
10.  New  Hampshire  Gazette.  February 

20,  1788. 

n.  Life  of  James  Sullivan,  p.  242. 
12.  Massachusetts    Sentinel,    1788. 


DOROTHY  QUINCY. 


257 


CH  \PTER  xxxi.  i.  Independent  Chronicle  and  Uni 
versal  Advertiser,  August  21, 
1788. 

2.  New  Hampshire  Gazette,  1788. 

3.  Independent  Chronicle  and  Univer 

sal  Advertiser,  1788. 

4.  Connecticut  Courant,  September  25. 

5.  Massachusetts    Historical    Society. 

vol.  4,  P-  419. 

6.  Hildreth's   History  of  the  United 

States,  vol.  4,  P-  J52. 

7.  Letter  owned  by  Miss  Woodbury. 
CHAPTER  xxxii.     i.  Independent    Chronicle    and    Uni 
versal  Advertiser,  June  4*  I7&9- 

2.  History  of  New  England,  by  Ell 

iott,  p.  272. 

3.  New  England  Historical  Genealog 

ical  Register,  vol.  g,  p.  14- 

4.  Massachusetts    Sentinel,    October, 

1787. 

5.  History  of  Independence  Hall,  by 

Belisle,  p.  141. 

6.  Massachusetts  Sentinel,  1789. 

7.  New  Hampshire  Gazette,  October 

29,  1789. 

8.  Independent  Chronicle,  1789. 

9.  Independent  Chronicle,  January  29, 

1790. 

10.  New  England  Historical  Genealog 

ical  Register,  vol.  8,  p.  190. 

11.  Loring's    One    Hundred    Orators. 

p.  115. 

12.  New  England  Historical  Genealog 

ical  Register,  vol.  8,  p.  190. 

13.  New  England  Magazine,  1893-4,  P- 

690,  article  by  Irving  Allen,  ex 
tract  from  Washington's  diary. 

14.  Connecticut  Courant,   October  24, 

1789. 

15.  Massachusetts    Historical    Society, 

vol.  8,  p.  173. 

CHAPTER  xxxiii.  i.  Boston  Gazette  and  Country  Jour 
nal,  November  29,  1790. 


DOROTHY  QUINCY. 

2.  John  Adams'  Works,  Diary,  etc., 

New   England  Historical   Gen 
ealogical    Register,    vol.    6,    p. 

365. 

3.  Belknap's  Massachusetts  Historical 

Society,  vol.  4. 

4.  Bradford's   History   of  Massachu 

setts,  1790-1820,  p.  27. 

5.  Independent  Chronicle. 

6.  Providence    Gazette   and    Country 

Journal,  December  15,  1792. 

7.  Providence    Gazette    and    Country 

Journal. 

8.  Loring's    One    Hundred    Orators, 

p.  109. 

9.  Loring's    One    Hundred    Orators, 

p.  109. 

10.  Independent   Chronicle   and   Uni 

versal  Advertiser. 

11.  John  Adams'  Works,   Diary,  etc., 

vol.  10,  pp.  259-260. 

12.  New  England  Historical  Genealog 

ical  Register,  vol.  8,  p.  120. 

13.  Loring's    One    Hundred    Orators, 

p.  119. 
CHAPTER  xxxiv.    I.  Independent  Chronicle,  1793. 

2.  New  England  Historical  Genealog 

ical  Register,  vol.  35,  p.  137. 

3.  John  Adams'  Works,  Diary,  etc., 

vol.  10,  p.  279. 

4.  John  Adams'  Works,  Diary,  etc., 

vol.  i,  p.  431. 

5.  Mrs.  Warren's  American  Revolu- 

tion,  p.  431. 

6.  Life  of  Samuel  Adams. 

7.  Loring's    One    Hundred    Orators, 

8.  New  Hampshire  Gazette,  October 

22,  1793. 

9.  American  Biography  of  Signers  of 

the    Declaration    of    Independ 
ence  (edition  1823),  vol.  i. 

10.  Life  of  Jas.  Sullivan,  vol.  i,  p.  267. 

11.  American  Biography  of  Signers  of 

the    Declaration    of    Independ 
ence,  vol.  i. 


DOROTHY  QUINCY. 


259 


12.  "Our  Country,"   article   by   Miss 

Martha  Quincy. 

13.  King's  Handbook  of  Boston,  p.  17. 
CHAPTER  xxxv.     i.  Loring's  One  Hundred  Orators. 

2.  Letter  owned  by  Miss  Woodbury. 

3.  Loring's  One  Hundred  Orators. 

4.  Letter    owned    by    Mrs.    William 

Wales. 
CHAPTER  xxxvi.    i.  City  Documents,  p.  126. 

2.  Independent  Chronicle,   March  8, 

1792. 

3.  Municipal   History  of  Boston,   by 

Quincy,  p.  151. 

4.  The  year  1882. 

CHAPTER  xxxvii.  i.  New  England  Historical  Genealog 
ical  Register,  vol.  31,  p.  381. 


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